The 1st Gen Theme Community provides a community and support for first-year students who are the first in their families to attend college. In partnership with the First Generation Gateway and Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), the 1st Gen theme community is dedicated to promoting student success by creating a support system within the community that creates helpful relationships between residents and U-M staff. Through offering intentional support and personal development programming that addresses college transition, 1st Gen will help students make the most of their Michigan experience.
The University of Michigan defines first-generation college students as those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree.
TESTIMONIALS
“I think knowing that I have access to a whole community to create memories that parents could not tell me about makes this journey a whole lot easier.”
“Making friends and feeling accepted is something everyone wants; living in this Theme Community really helped with that. You live with people who share a similar background as you, which makes connecting to them an ease.”
Updated 3/31/2026
Location
Community
- First-year students who are the first in their family to attend college
Expectations
- Participate in welcome activities
- Participate in programs and events
- Engage in leadership opportunities on campus
To Apply:
The Theme Community Application is part of the First-Year Housing Application, available via the Michigan Housing Portal
MICHIGAN HOUSING PORTAL