How Universities Are Empowering First-Generation Learners

For many students across India, entering a university isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a family’s first step into the world of higher education. These first-generation learners often carry both hope and responsibility, balancing their own academic goals with the dreams of those who made it possible.

Universities today are playing a vital role in bridging the opportunity gap for such students through mentorship, exposure, and inclusive learning environments. Beyond academics, they’re creating ecosystems where first-generation learners can thrive socially, emotionally, and professionally.

Breaking Barriers Through Supportive Campuses

The transition to university life can be daunting, especially for students from rural or underrepresented backgrounds. Hostels, counselling services, and mentorship programmes have emerged as essential lifelines for them to adjust and succeed.

PhD Research Scholar Pankaj, an alumnus of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, recalls his own journey as a first-generation learner from rural Haryana. “Meeting students from diverse places, many with higher board scores, initially made me wonder whether the coursework would be too tough for me,” he shares. “But with time, regular lectures and campus exposure sharpened my skills and boosted my confidence.”

He adds that staying in the university hostel played a major role in his transformation. “My parents always reminded me, ‘You just focus on studies; we’ll handle the rest.’ Their support, along with the university’s positive environment, helped me grow personally and academically.”

The Power of Mentorship and Guidance

For many first-generation students, academic mentorship becomes a turning point. Faculty members who take a personal interest in their growth can make all the difference.

At Apeejay, for instance, professors and deans are known to mentor students closely, helping them identify their strengths, career paths, and research opportunities. “Our Dean remembered my name within days of joining,” Pankaj recalls. “That personal touch and constant encouragement to aim higher built my confidence to pursue advanced studies.”

Creating Pathways to Success

Beyond emotional support, universities are now integrating career guidance, financial aid, and skill-building workshops to ensure that every learner has equal access to opportunity. These initiatives prepare first-generation students for competitive exams, higher education, and industry readiness.

When equipped with the right environment and encouragement, these learners often go on to achieve remarkable milestones — from qualifying national research exams to pursuing doctoral studies or building successful careers.