About Hoos First
Hoos First serves as the hub for the first-generation and limited-income student experience at UVA. We aim to empower, support, and advocate for students who historically may find difficulty in navigating the college process. Our student-centered programming highlights the network of services and resources available at the University of Virginia such as personal well-being, social engagement, career development, graduate school preparation, financial literacy, and academic support. From your first day on Grounds until those closing minutes of Final Exercises, our team is committed to making sure that the Wahoo experience is accessible and enjoyable for all!
Hoos First FAQs
- What exactly is a first-generation college student?
-
A first-generation college student means that neither of your parents/guardians obtained a four-year degree. However, Hoos First also supports anyone whose parent/guardian may have partially attended college, obtained a degree internationally, or completed a degree non-traditionally later in life (e.g. while you, or your siblings, were attending K-12 school).
- Do I need to identify as both first-generation and limited-income to engage with Hoos First?
-
Of course not! We recognize that not every student who identifies as a first-generation college student is of limited income. Likewise, not every student who may be eligible for need-based financial aid or whose family may be experiencing financial hardship will be the first in their family to obtain an undergraduate degree. Hoos First is an inclusive space established to support students seeking assistance and community. Our mission is to ensure that every student at UVA has a meaningful and well-rounded educational experience.

First Generation/Low Income Partnership at UVA
Need an advocate? FLIP is a student-run group that champions the causes of first-gen and low-income (FGLI) students. We work to expand University resources and empower you!

First of the Family
First of the Family is an organization that acknowledges and supports students who, while not fitting the quintessential definition of first-generation, are still the first in their family to enter their designated career field and informally identify as “in-betweeners.”

First-Generation Graduate Student Coalition (FGSC)
Are you a grad student looking for more support? The FGSC is a new student organization committed to supporting and empowering first-generation college students who are now pursuing their graduate degrees at UVA through community building, professional development, and institutional visibility.

Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals
First in your family to go to law school? VLFGP focuses on facilitating the transition and integration of first-generation college students, professional students, and Americans and students from low-income or working-class communities into UVA Law and the legal profession.

Hoos First Look
If you're a prospective 'Hoo, you could be one of 20 first-gen/low-income students invited to Hoos First Look, an annual three-day, two-night academic enrichment program in the fall semester. The best part? Trip costs are fully reimbursed.

QuestBridge at UVA
Does UVA feel out of reach? QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects the country's most exceptional, low-income youth with selective colleges. Learn about the application process, timeline, and contacts.

Rise Together Mentoring Program
Looking for a way to give back? Channel your experience into service by mentoring K-12 youth in Albemarle County through tutoring and leadership/workforce readiness training.