Welcome to Aggieland: A Message to our First-Gen Families
On behalf of Texas A&M University and the Routh First-Gen Center, welcome to Aggieland! We are excited to welcome you and your family to our Aggie community as you begin this important and memorable journey together. We want to take a moment to recognize the incredible achievement of your family being here. As your student begins this new chapter, know that your family’s experiences, perspectives, and contributions are valued and help make our Aggie community stronger. We understand that the transition to college can bring excitement, questions, and challenges for both students and their families. Please know that you are not alone. Texas A&M’s faculty, staff, and students are here to help your Aggie find their place, build connections, and make the most of their college experience. We recognize that families play an important role in a student’s college experience. Your encouragement, understanding, and continued involvement can make a meaningful difference as your Aggie adjusts to college life, celebrates accomplishments, navigates challenges, and works toward graduation. Thank you for trusting Texas A&M University with your Aggie’s educational journey. With determination, courage, family support, and a strong campus community, we believe your student can achieve great things and make a lasting impact at Texas A&M and beyond.
Understanding the First-Generation Experience
Defining First-Generation Student
A first-generation college student can be defined in different ways depending on the institution or organization. The most common one used in our institution is - a First-generation student is classified as a student whose neither parent have earned a bachelor’s degree. Parents may have earned an associate’s degree, have taken college courses, or be in the process of taking college courses.
At the Routh First-Generation Center, we recognize that no single definition captures every student's experiences and journey. We are committed to supporting, empowering, and celebrating first-generation Aggies throughout their time at Texas A&M University.
You belong in this journey, too.
As a family member of a first-generation Aggie, you may sometimes feel unsure about how to help when college processes, terminology, and expectations are new to you. That is completely okay! You do not need to know all the answers to make a difference in your student’s college experience.
Encourage your student to ask questions, explore campus resources, connect with faculty and staff, and learn to advocate for themselves. Remember, you and your Aggie are learning together, and there is a community at Texas A&M ready to support you both. You belong here, too!
What May Feel Different in College?
The transition from high school to college often brings a significant increase in independence, responsibility and self-advocacy.
Students manage their own time.
College schedules are less structured than high school. Students balance classes, studying, work, activities and personal responsibilities more independently.
Students track their own deadlines.
Professors generally expect students to know assignment, exam and administrative deadlines without repeated reminders.
Students learn to seek support.
Texas A&M offers extensive resources, but students often need to take the first step by contacting an advisor, instructor, tutor or university office.
Students become their own advocates.
Your Aggie may need to explain their situation, ask questions and follow up with different offices. This is a normal part of learning how to navigate college.
How Families Can Help?
Supporting your student does not mean solving every problem for them. It means helping them develop the confidence and skills to navigate challenges independently.Ask questions that encourage problem-solving.
Consider asking, "Who on campus could help you with this?" or "Have you contacted your academic advisor?" This encourages students to identify resources and take action.
Encourage students to ask for help early.
Tutoring, advising, counseling and other student services are often most effective when students use them before a concern becomes overwhelming.
Celebrate growth as well as grades.
Attending office hours, asking for help, completing a difficult semester, joining an organization or securing an internship can all represent important progress.
Stay connected while supporting independence.
College may be the first time your student is responsible for many major decisions. Remaining available while allowing them room to grow can make a meaningful difference.
Know Where to Go
Texas A&M has many offices dedicated to helping students succeed. These resources address some of the most common questions students and families may encounter.
Academic Advising
Academic advisors help students choose courses, understand degree requirements, develop academic plans, explore majors and connect with additional campus resources.
Explore Student Success ResourcesAcademic Success Center
Students can access tutoring, Supplemental Instruction and academic support designed to strengthen course understanding and academic skills.
Visit the Academic Success CenterAggie One Stop
Aggie One Stop is a central resource for financial aid, scholarships, billing, registration and student records.
Visit Aggie One StopDisability Resources
Disability Resources supports students who need accommodations and provides information about accessing appropriate university services.
Visit Disability ResourcesUniversity Writing Center
Students can receive feedback and support for written assignments, presentations and other communication projects.
Visit the Writing CenterMath Learning Center
The Math Learning Center provides tutoring and learning support to help students strengthen their mathematics skills.
Visit the Math Learning CenterCareer Center
The Career Center supports students with career exploration, resumes, internships, job searches, interviewing and post-graduation planning.
Visit the Career CenterTransportation Services
Students can find information about campus buses, parking permits, visitor parking, Park and Ride options and other transportation services.
Visit Transportation ServicesResidence Life
Residence Life provides information about campus housing, residential communities and resources for students living on campus.
Visit Residence Life