You have your place here

Your place at university
First-generation students learn very early how to adapt. They often have to navigate unfamiliar environments, understand implicit rules, and find their bearings without always having close examples to rely on.
This allows them to develop strong skills such as gathering information, asking the right questions, being autonomous, and moving forward even when things are unclear. They learn to build their own networks, switch between different contexts—family, studies, work—and adjust to each of them.

This often discreet journey fosters keen observation, resourcefulness, and valuable perseverance. They know how to make a lot out of little, stay engaged despite doubts, and progress step by step.

All these skills matter, even if they are not always visible or recognized. They are an integral part of their journey and deserve to be acknowledged and valued.

Assumptions and expectations in academia
Perhaps you are still wondering whether you can succeed in your studies, whether you belong at university at all or whether you would be out of place there? You may well feel alienated at university because some things are new and not self-evident – but no one explains them to you. It is often difficult to understand how university works and what “unwritten rules” there are: the way you participate in class, how you express yourself “academically”, or how you ask questions. It’s more a matter of “how” than “what”. Don’t worry: you are like many other students and you will figure things out with time. Take time to get used to life at university. Participate in the university’s social activities and meet people to share your experiences.

Imposter syndrome
This is the feeling of not being good or smart enough, not belonging, and the fear of being exposed as an impostor. However, it is not founded on truth. It helps to realise that this feeling is much more due to such “academic assumptions” and the lack of diversity in universities than your own fault. So don’t be too hard on yourself, acknowledge your successes as your own accomplishments, and don’t let this stop you from seizing opportunities or asking questions if something is unclear to you.