First Generation Students

Financial Aid and Tuition

Financing a college degree can be confusing for us all.

We've all had to learn about Financial Aid processes, Tuition costs and Scholarship applications. 

Student Accounts will help you understand a tuition bill.

Financial Aid will help you understand scholarships and loans.

First-generation student scholarships resources:

VA Higher Education Fund

How to Find Scholarships as a First-Generation College Student

Housing and Commuter Life

As you adjust to living on campus or with a new commute there is assistance.

Residential & Commuter Life staff can support your transition. They will help you navigate living on and commuting to campus. 

College Readiness

Let's get organized.

You've taken your challenges and turned them into opportunities. 

We know you're ready for the rigor and expectations of the college curriculum. Learn more about how to take charge of your academic experience and keep the drive that got you here.

First, you'll need to be organized and proactive.

• Plan to be read your email daily
• Visit faculty during their office hours

Use support services. It's not a secret that two heads are better than one. Contact the Center for Academic Success and the Writing Center - They're ready to help support you and your learning.

Register at Accessibility Resources (434) 395-2391 if you have a documented disability.

Ask questions. Manage your stress. Take care of yourself and advocate for your needs. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (434) 395-2409 can help you maintain your well-being.  Check out the WellTrack Boost App, a free mobile app available to Longwood students, faculty and staff. Learn More.

The Tri Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) National Honor Society for First Generation Students recognizes the academic accomplishments of students based on the following criteria:

• A student has earned at least 30 credit/semester hours towards a Baccalaureate degree (including half-time)
• An undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
• Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a Bachelor's degree

Community Connections

We're a community that encourages connections!

We all help each other succeed and we're here to help you too. 

New Lancers get their very own Coach!

During New Lancer Days you'll meet your Coach and learn about all the ways you can plug into the community. Questions before then? Contact Student Success.

Discover new friends and interests.

Check out the First Generation Student Lounge on the third floor of the Upchurch University Center, Suite 309— space dedicated to you! Study, hang out, charge your electronics and learn about campus resources.

Get involved with an on-campus organization or in the local Farmville community. Get involved with something you know you love or branch out with something new.

We celebrate First Gen students at these special events:

• Welcome Ice Cream Social for new students
• National First Gen Celebration in early November
• First Gen Graduation Celebration the night before Commencement

Want to know more about First-Generation Student Success?

The National Center for First-Generation Student Success has additional resources.

Online Guide for First Generation College Students

Get In Touch

We're here to help.

See First Generation FAQs.