Metadata
Title
First-Generation Students
Category
undergraduate
UUID
70987e4023d84767a4ae937b7ab497ed
Source URL
https://admissions.upenn.edu/supporting-your-student/families-supporters/first-g...
Parent URL
https://admissions.upenn.edu/i-am-a/supporting-my-student
Crawl Time
2026-03-09T07:09:55+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown

First-Generation Students

Source: https://admissions.upenn.edu/supporting-your-student/families-supporters/first-generation Parent: https://admissions.upenn.edu/i-am-a/supporting-my-student

Attending college is a significant life event for students, and it can feel even moreso for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. For loved ones supporting a first-generation student, this can be a time with a lot of questions and uncertainty, so we want to provide support as you navigate this process together!

Penn First Plus

An initiative we’re immensely proud of at Penn is Penn First Plus, our hub of university efforts to enhance the academic experiences of students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year baccalaureate degree or come from modest financial circumstances. Penn First Plus helps students navigate college and provides a variety of resources to help those who are less familiar with a higher education environment, including mentorship, pre-first year programs, and guidance. This is in addition to the many supportive services Penn offers to all students, like academic advising, financial aid counseling, tutoring, and more. So don’t worry – we’re here to support your student as much as they need.

The Penn Academic Year

Penn is a four-year University, meaning our students typically engage in four years of study, beginning as first years, then sophomores, then juniors, and finally, seniors. 97% of our students graduate in six years or less.

Upon completing their studies, students will receive an Undergraduate Degree in their field of study. Some may choose to continue their studies and pursue a Master’s Degree or Doctorate, but for many careers, an Undergraduate Degree is sufficient for entering the workforce.

Our school calendar is broken up into two semesters: courses begin in what is called the “Fall” semester, running from August-December, and are followed by the “Spring” semester which covers January-May. Some students choose to dedicate their summers to research, internships, work, or additional studies, but the school year officially runs from August-May.

Housing

Penn students must live on campus for their first two years. It’s a great way to get to know other students, while adjusting to college life. Typically, first-year students share rooms with a roommate and use communal bathrooms. Rooms come furnished with beds, desks, and dressers or closets, and students provide their own bed linens, towels, and decorations. Many of our College Houses also have amenities like laundry rooms, fitness centers, study rooms, lounges, cafes, and music rooms that students can enjoy.

Later in their time at Penn, students may opt to live off-campus. ISSS provides guidance around living arrangements, as well as where to stay when visiting Penn on their website.

Between mid-December and mid-January, classes are suspended and students are on Winter Break. Students typically return home during this time. Those who wish to remain on campus during winter break may request special housing for that period through winter break registration.

Students also enjoy time off during Spring Break, which occurs for a week in March. While many students opt to travel or return home during this time, campus housing remains open and students are welcome to remain on campus for the duration of Spring Break.

Safety

Penn has been ranked one of the safest campuses in the country year after year. Penn’s Division of Public Safety is active 24/7 to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. All academic and residential buildings require key-card access for entry at Penn, and walking escorts are available to students at all times. We care deeply about your student’s safety here!

Staying Connected to Your Student

When students enroll at Penn, they are immersed in a world of study, meeting new friends, and discovering a new place. Penn’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum will expose students to new ways of thinking and interacting with the world, as well as make significant demands of their time.

Some supporters find that the transition to college is also marked by an unexpected distance between them and their student. Perhaps the loved one you saw and spoke to regularly no longer has as much time to stay in touch, or has new interests you don’t share.

This is a normal part of going to college, but it can be emotional to navigate, nonetheless. We recommend loved ones consider some of our tips to stay connected to their student and ease this transition.