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First-Generation Students

Are you the first one to study in your family? Welcome to the ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ!

People who are the first to study in their family are often referred to as the first generation. The term originates from English-language research on social background and education. In Germany, the terms "First Generation Studierende" or "Erstakademiker*innen" are used. Research shows that social background has a major influence on how the educational pathways of first-generation students may differ from those of non-first-generation students and what challenges first-generation students face at school and during their studies.

The ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ wants to be a place where all the students with their different biographies and social backgrounds can fulfil their potential. On this page you will find information, resources and contact points to support you on your journey through the university until you graduate. 

ABC through the ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ

The ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ publishes every semester a digital guide for its students. It contains a variety of information about the university, as well as advice on organising your studies, taking your first steps at the university and about life on and around campus. The guide is enriched with interactive elements and explains terms related to studying at ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ in the glossary. für Studierende.

Here we have summarised the most important topics:

  • First steps at the university
  • What is what in the degree programme? 
  • Planning your studies
  • Glossary with the most important terms for studying and university-related terms

If you are looking for department-specific support services, you can also find these on the homepages of the specific departments.

Have you already known?

At the beginning of your studies and/or each semester, it can be overwhelming to create your own timetable for the semester, as this requires a lot of personal responsibility. Taking a look at the study plans can help you to better organise your daily study routine and ensure that you take all the necessary courses.

These plans provide important information about the requirements of your degree programme, such as the structure, duration and content. You can find the study and examination regulations for all faculties here. You can also find support from the respective departmental student counselling services. 

The language used in courses and/or academic texts can be intimidating at first. It is completely normal that it takes time to get used to academic language. However, it is important to remember that academic language alone is not a prerequisite for successful study. The way we speak in different social contexts varies, and the ability to switch between these language styles is a valuable resource - as is speaking several languages. Don't let this discourage you and take the opportunity to develop your language abilities. 

We would like to encourage you not to be intimidated if you have the feeling that other students in your courses know much more. Students from different semesters often come together in different courses. This means that some may already have more experience and knowledge because they have been studying for longer. Don't let this stop you, take an active part in the seminar. Your questions and contributions are valuable and contribute to a lively and enriching exchange.

If you encounter difficulties when writing a term paper, the " is there to help you. You can also contact the lecturer and ask for a consultation. If you have any questions about the assessment of your assignment or would like to review it again, you can also request personal feedback from the course lecturer.

When first contacting course lecturers or professors in writing, it is advisable to use their academic title (e.g. Prof/Prof.in or Dr./Dr.in). An initial formal form of address and language helps to promote a respectful and professional exchange.

All course lecturers and professors offer consultation hours. These can be used to discuss assignments or your final thesis, apply for an extended deadline, clarify unanswered questions or talk about personal difficulties that make it difficult to attend courses. It is advisable to visit the consultation hours several times, especially if you would like to write a final thesis with a professor or are considering continuing your studies. This can help to build a positive relationship, which can have a positive impact on your academic journey.

As a student employee or student assistant, you not only have the opportunity to work in a timely manner during your studies, but also to gain insights into and experience of the university work context. This can help you to better prepare for a possible academic career. Not only can you gain better access to resources such as libraries, laboratories or direct help from professors and staff, but you can also establish contacts with various people and positions.

You can find regular job offers on the job portal or the of the ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ.

Working in various areas of student self-administration gives you the opportunity to influence various processes at the university and get to know the university 'behind the scenes'. This work also offers an excellent opportunity to network and make important contacts.

General information can be found here. Contact and information about the can be found on their homepage.

Counselling and support services

At ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ you will find a variety of counselling and support services to help you with these and other issues:



Networking

Would you like to network with other first degree students or get involved? You can find various organisations and networks here:

A mentoring programme for students from their third semester onwards. Students are brought together with experienced mentors who help with career guidance. 

 is the funding line of "Mentoring Hessen" for female STEM students. The aim is to support you as a female student of natural sciences or engineering in your professional and personal development and to give you a practical insight into working life.

ArbeiterKind.de is a  that encourages and supports people from non-academic backgrounds to study, both on the way to graduation and when starting a career. Here you will also find important tips on scholarships, among other things. You can get in touch with the Frankfurt group via email: frankfurt-main@arbeiterkind.de. Further information on meeting and information services can be found on the .

The Writing Centre offers each summer semester a paid training course to become a peer tutor. 

 is a nationwide network and offers its members workshops on various topics, mentoring as well as a network and contacts to various employers.

Further information and links

  • : A platform for different experiences, opinions and ideas of first-generation philosophy students.
  • Association '': An initiative by PhD students and graduates* of the University of Cologne. The association offers counselling and networking services for Master's students and doctoral candidates from all over Germany and abroad. 
  • [transcript] blog: #2 Markus Gamper on classism and social inequality at universities: (in German)
  • at the Congress of the German Sociological Association: Reuter, J. (2020). From working-class child to professorship. Social advancement in science. Autobiographical notes and sociobiographical analyses (Society of differences). Bielefeld: Transcipt publishing house. (in German)
  • Bargel, T. & Bargel, H. (2010). : Hurdles to becoming an academic (Böcklerimpuls 07/10). (in German)
  • Möller, C. (2015). Origin (almost) always counts. Social Inequalities among university professors (Sociological contributions to education). Weinheim: Beltz. (in German)
  • Zentschenko, B. (n.d.). . The fairy tale of social advancement (Read.Me -Zeitschrift für Studierende). (in German)
  • University of Cologne: by the Autonomous Department for Anticlassist Empowerment WS 2020/21. Partly still available on youtube. (in German)
  • University of Cologne.