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Notes for First-Year Students Notes for Sophomores Notes for Juniors Notes for Seniors Glossary of UMD slang + jargon Thrive Center for Essential Needs
Tri-Alpha Honor Society First-Gen Student Association
Contact
Smiling University of Maryland graduates in their regalia

#FearlessFirst

First-Gen Terps

We are are scholars, leaders, and change-makers.

Join us



Smiling University of Maryland graduates in their regalia

Events

Let's celebrate!

National First-Generation College Celebration Day is observed annually on November 8, but we're celebrating at UMD from Nov. 2-13.


Featured Events

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Vision Boarding + Mocktails

Come create a vision board to reflect on your goals, dreams, and aspirations while enjoying delicious mocktails and connecting with fellow first-gen students.
November 3, 2026, 7:00 PM
November 3, 2026, 8:30 PM
Anne Arundel Basement Lounge
Learn more

spooky poster

Networking Nightmares: Surviving the Night through Learning, Connection & Dinner Fun

Join the University of Maryland Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) to learn the basics of networking, share some spooky networking stories and end the night with a fun-filled networking activity.
November 4, 2026, 5:30 pM
November 4, 2026, 7:30 PM
Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center
Learn more

m gate

Financial Wellness Workshop

Learn valuable tips on budgeting, saving money, managing your finances, and building healthy financial habits for the future from UMD's own Financial Wellness Coordinator, Lakeyla Whitaker.
November 4, 2026, 4:00 pM
November 4, 2026, 5:30 PM
Financial Wellness Hub, McKeldin Library
Learn more

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Jeopardy!

Test your knowledge across a variety of categories, compete with fellow first-gen students, and enjoy some friendly competition. Come for a chance to win exciting prizes, enjoy free Chick-fil-A, and connect with other first-gen students!
November 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
November 5, 2026, 8:30 PM
Anne Arundel Basement Lounge
Learn more

FGSA group at table

First Gen Tabling + Card Making

Stop by the First Generation Student Association (FGSA) table to learn more about ways to get involved and write an appreciation card to someone who has made a positive impact on you (+ a chance to win a prize!)
November 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
November 6, 2026, 2:00 PM
Stamp Student Union
Learn more

inspiration board

AAP's Fearless First Celebration Station

Stop by to meet up with First-Gen Terps, pick up FEARLESS FIRST buttons and stickers, check out First-Gen campus resources, and enjoy sweet treats!
November 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
November 6, 2026, 1:00 PM
Stamp Student Union
Learn more

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Clark First Gen Fall Celebration

Are you a First Generation Student in The Clark School of Engineering? Join us to learn about resources on campus, play fall-themed games, and be recognized for all of the hard work you’ve done on your pursuit of becoming an Engineer.
November 6, 2026, 2:00 PM
November 6, 2026, 4:00 PM
A.V. Williams Building 2460
Learn more

University of Maryland iconic M

Study Abroad Community Coffee Hour

Enjoy some snacks and hot beverages (not just coffee!), play games and participate in a bingo raffle for a free prize, and attend a panel discussion/audience Q&A with first gen study abroad alumni.
November 11, 2026, 4:00 PM
November 11, 2026, 6:00 PM
HJ Patterson Hall, Language Science Center
RSVP





First-Gen Champions

A first-generation college student is someone whose parents or guardians have not completed a bachelor's degree. As you fearlessly create a college legacy, we are here to celebrate your accomplishments and help you find your way.


Learn more
Two blurred pedestrians walk past on the tiled floor in front of the Physical Sciences building at UMD featuring tall windows and red panels.



Thurgood Marshall Hall with blooming cherry blossom tree

Are you a First-Gen Terp?

Not sure if you qualify as first-gen? Want to find out more about other First-Gen Terps?
Take our quiz


Thurgood Marshall Hall with blooming cherry blossom tree

Trailblazers

Do you recognize these first-generation students?
Learn more



Hear our stories. Share yours.



See all stories


First-Gen Terps is a joint initiative.


We are supported by the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the Division of Student Affairs, and many units and programs. UMD is a member of the First Gen Forward Network (formerly NASPA’s Center for First-generation Student Success). We are committed to supporting and advancing success for our first-generation students through data-driven and infrastructure-building tools and leadership. We'd love to work with you. Please contact us.

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