University First Generation
students share
their stories

Discover the First in my Family campaign: sharing 100 stories of how going to university changed their lives.

The 100 faces campaign focuses on first generation students and graduates* and the impact they have on our society

Their talents and contributions to society are a huge asset that we are extremely proud of. The stories below show the difference they’re making. From Nobel prize winners, to politicians, from social advocates to sporting stars, our 100 faces show the diversity and talent of first generation students.

Students whose parents/caregivers did not attend university

*

MEET THEM

Our members have shared a selection of inspirational students and graduates from across their institutions. Each of them has their own unique story and have made great strides to contribute to society and improve their lives after going to university. 

BETH MEAD

JENNIFER DOMINIC

JEANETTE ASHMOLE

MALIK AL NASIR

KIRAN SAHOTA

SARA BERKAI

REGGIE NELSON

ZEE FARIDI

KELLY CORNWELL

BETH MEAD JENNIFER DOMINIC JEANETTE ASHMOLE MALIK AL NASIR KIRAN SAHOTA SARA BERKAI REGGIE NELSON ZEE FARIDI KELLY CORNWELL

and, alongside the academic aspect, I was able to develop incredibly useful skills such as time-management and self-discipline, which have been transferable into my current career.”

“University was a
fantastic experience

BETH MEAD

The CATEGORIES

  • Arts and sports talents

    From a fashion designer for FKA Twigs and Kendrick Lamar to Teesside graduate and lioness Beth Mead, universities train some of the UK’s brightest talents in arts and sport, including many whose parents did not go to university.

    Meet them

  • Science and healthcare pioneers

    The UK is a science superpower, made possible by first generation graduates who power our NHS and make groundbreaking discoveries that benefit the UK and the world we live in.

    meet them

  • LOCAL HEROES

    Communities and businesses across the UK benefit from first generation students, they bring businesses to the local area and bring awareness and outreach to their individual communities.

    Meet them

  • Higher education trailblazers

    University has the power to change lives – especially for those whose parents didn’t go to university. Getting a degree isn’t just about getting a good job. It’s also enriching for students by building their confidence, enabling them to change career and introducing them to new people and ideas.

    Meet them

  • Business and charity innovators

    Many first generation students are from disadvantaged backgrounds where becoming an entrepreneur or charity leader might not seem like an option. For these graduates, university gave them the training and opportunities to unlock these careers.

    Meet them

  • Technology and Maths geniuses

    Universities are equipping first generation graduates with the skills to make a difference to the world: from the founder of a social enterprise bringing STEM to refugee children to the developer an entertainment platform for children with special educational needs.

    Meet them

  • Influential voices

    Universities across the UK have help to develop first generation students into leaders in politics, law and advocacy, ensuring that there is fair representation and varied voices in some of the most influential parts of society.

    Meet them

WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR

Going to university can be life-changing, especially if you’re the first in your family to go. Without significant financial investment and maintenance support to go to university, many people could be missing out on this chance.

We want to protect these opportunities and work closely with the government to support the implementation of a fairer maintenance package to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider going to university.

73%

of first generation graduates agreed their degree gave them the confidence to apply for jobs without feeling like an imposter

41%

of first generation students believe that without their main source of financial support, they wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to university at all

86%

of all UK graduates describe going to university as a good decision or the best decision they’ve ever made

36%

of non-graduates were put off university because of concerns about their financial commitments