First-Gen Student Lounge    

On Sept. 1, TAMUG’s new first-generation student lounge opened in the Center for Academic Learning and Support (CALS). First-gen students can check themselves into the lounge where they will find a place to study and relax with free coffee, hot cocoa, and tea, study materials, stress-relief toys, and bean bags.“

I wanted a space where first gen students could see and feel that they belonged,” said Krista McBrien, Assistant Director of Academic Coaching and First Gen student support programs, who oversaw the development of the first-gen student lounge. “That campus is for them, and college is for them ... It was important to me that they have a space that really was theirs, where they felt a community could be built.”

Approximately 26-29 percent of TAMUG’s student population is composed of first-gen students.

Many may know that a “first-generation student” is defined as being the first person in their family to obtain a four-year degree. But what many people, both in and out of university settings, may be less aware of is that first-gen students experience some rather unique challenges in their academic careers.

First generation students often experience more intense feelings of alienation in their college environment, endure more pressure to excel in their studies, struggle with a lack of support from their families and college readiness, bear more financial responsibilities, and may feel guilty for being away from family or for investing in their education.

McBrien said, “It’s important to me to see how proud a student becomes of their accomplishments, and seeing that change in their family. Getting to hear their stories and see their connections, it really makes me proud of a student. First gens have often overcome more challenges to get here and have those successes, so those celebrations feel even bigger.”

The addition of the first generation student lounge is one of many prospective steps and initiatives to continue developing a stronger support system for first generation students on campus. Other resources incoming first generation students should keep in mind are their academic advisors, available first generation grants and scholarships (eligibility often determined by completed the FAFSA or TAFSA), and information that can be found on the CALS F1rst Program page.

The first-gen student lounge is located in Main 206 and is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.