With more than 70 per cent of CSU students identifying as being first in family, FirstDegree aids their success by introducing them to a diverse range of experiences from others in a similar position.

Dean of Students Julia Coyle believes FirstDegree, and its use of popular technologies such as Youtube, is an innovative and effective way for CSU to continue providing real opportunities for everybody to access higher education.

“What we are doing is developing a whole program that helps to connect these students with the university that helps them to settle into an environment, because they are the first in their families to come to university, is a very unusual and strange environment,” Professor Coyle said.

First Degree uses web-based resources, including a dedicated Youtube channel of student experiences, to build student capacity, to help students feel part of CSU and ultimately to succeed in their studies.

“CSU has an inclusive approach based on the right to education for all, irrespective of your background, irrespective of where you come from and irrespective of whether your parents went to university.”

Behind the development of the website and Youtube channel is FirstDegree Project Manager Kara King, who was a first in family university student herself.

“We want to build realistic expectations for students who are first in family because they often don’t have other real reference points for the experience,” Ms King said.

“Essentially it is about telling it like it is,” she said.

“It’s really about sharing stories, feeling validated, feeling respected by the University no matter who you are or what your story is, and connecting with other students so that you are making wonderful relationships that will help you through your journey.”

According to Ms King, the stories and other resources not only  look at the changes the changes that occur students when they come to university, but also the impact that being a university student will have on relationships with their families, communities and in their workplaces.

FirstDegree has been a 12 month CSU project, funded by the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme (HEPPP).