From Guidance to Belonging: First-Gen Student Perspectives and Finding Community in College

I remember the moment I realized I was the first in my family to go to college. It wasn’t during my first lecture or when I moved into my dorm. It was the day of my graduation. That’s when I looked out into the crowd and saw aunts, uncles and relatives I hadn’t expected — people who had come just to witness this milestone, because for them, it was history. We had a college graduate in the family. 

But before that moment of pride, there was uncertainty. I was about to embark on an entirely new adventure with no real point of reference. Unlike so many of my peers, I didn’t have parents that could tell me stories from their days in their dorm rooms. I didn’t have older siblings to guide me. I was out of my element and I, like so many first-generation college students today, really had to learn how to be adaptable.  

A Different Kind of College Search 

For first-generation college students like me, choosing a school isn’t just about academics or prestige. It’s about finding a place that feels like home — one that supports not only ambition, but also the unique challenges that come with being the first in your family to go to college. While their classmates grew up hearing their parents reminisce about their own college years, offering advice on which campus traditions to embrace or which professors to seek out, first-gen students typically rely on teachers, mentors and high school counselors for guidance. 

In Sodexo’s Student Lifestyle Survey, first-generation students were more likely than their peers to value advice from educators and the presence of a diverse student body when choosing a school. These factors signal more than just a good education; they suggest that it could be a place they might feel like they belong.  

For me, that guidance came in an unexpected way. I started college at North Carolina State University, thinking I’d become an architect. But something didn’t feel right. I had spent years working in restaurants — my dad ran them; my grandfather owned them — and I felt pulled back to the energy of the kitchen.  

One summer, the executive chef at the restaurant where I was working handed me a book and told me that he saw my potential. The book was a signed copy of The Culinary Institute of America’s Manual by Paul Bocuse, which I still have to this day. He took me under his wing, gave me some coaching and encouraged me to pursue what I loved. That encouragement changed my future. I transferred to the Culinary Institute of America, and the rest is history.  

That’s the kind of influence guidance can have on first-gen students. Sometimes, we don’t even know what we’re looking for until someone helps us see it. 

The Search for Community 

Once students arrive on campus, the challenge shifts from finding the right school to finding their place within it. First-gen students often don’t have a built-in network; they are stepping into the unknown. In fact, 49% of students say that “knowing I would have friends” is an important factor in choosing a college. They gravitate toward institutions where they see people like themselves — whether that means cultural background, shared experiences or simply a welcoming environment. 

For me, that sense of community didn’t come overnight. My first semester was overwhelming. I had to figure out how to navigate campus, manage coursework and live with strangers. But the friendships I formed over study sessions, late-night conversations and shared experiences (like a group of eight guys trying to do laundry!) became my anchor. And over 25 years later, some of those people are still my closest friends today.  

University food played a huge role in that. There’s something about sharing a meal that breaks down barriers. It’s why events like Sodexo’s Spark Initiative — which brings students together through cultural dining experiences — are so impactful. These aren’t just meals; they’re moments where students connect, where they find familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings. Dining halls, when designed thoughtfully, can become gathering places, fostering a sense of belonging that’s just as important as academics. 

A Seat at the Table 

Belonging isn’t just about people; it’s about experiences that make a place feel like home. One of the most overlooked but powerful ways colleges foster belonging is through food. 

At Sodexo, we recognize that comfort food means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a home-cooked meal their grandmother made. For others, it’s a dish that reminds them of family gatherings. Our dining services are designed to reflect that, incorporating diverse cultural cuisines so that every student — no matter where they’re from — can find something familiar on their plate. 

One & All, our new resident dining program, sets a great example for making room at the table for every student. It acts as a social hub where students can unwind or recharge, offering diverse experiences in a welcoming space for every mood, any time of day. More than just a meal, One & All creates dynamic dining spaces with flexible seating and adaptable layouts, welcoming both quiet moments to relax and decompress and lively group hangouts to build community.  

Because sometimes, it’s as simple as walking into a dining hall and seeing a dish that reminds you of home. That small moment can be the difference between feeling like an outsider and knowing you belong. 

Parents on the Journey 

While students search for belonging, their parents are searching for something else: reassurance. 

The Student Lifestyle Survey found that 84% of first-gen parents attend campus tours with their children, more than parents of continuing-generation students. For them, these tours are essential — not just to see the buildings but to understand the support systems in place. Will my child be safe? Will they have access to resources? Will they be able to navigate this new world without me? 

I think about my own parents, who didn’t have answers when I asked what college would be like. They couldn’t prepare me for the transition, but they supported me every step of the way. That’s what parents of first-gen students do: They may not have firsthand experience, but they walk the path with us, making sure we never feel alone. 

From Guidance to Belonging 

As a first-gen student, I didn’t always know what to expect. But I found my way — with the help of mentors, friends and small but meaningful experiences that made college feel like home. For institutions looking to support first-gen students, the approach must go beyond admissions. It’s about creating spaces that invite connection, ensure that every student feels seen, and builds a campus culture of belonging. 

Because when first-gen students find a place that welcomes them, they don’t just succeed — they thrive. And sometimes, they even come back to help the next generation do the same. 

Read the full report to discover how Sodexo is helping campuses unlock student potential.