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Designing for First-Gen Success: Turning Insight into Action on Campus

By Nathan Woods, AIA, NCARB

June 4, 2025
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First-generation college students—those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree—represent more than a statistic; they’re at the forefront of a shifting academic landscape.

In our blog, “First-Gen First: Education Design for the First-Gen College Student,” we explored how design can act as a bridge to academic and emotional success for students who are navigating uncharted waters. But understanding the challenge is only the beginning. Now, it’s time to turn that understanding into action.

Let’s examine how colleges and universities can rethink their spaces—from residence halls to academic corridors—to become truly student-ready. In this article, we’ll look at practical frameworks for creating environments that are physically navigable, emotionally supportive, and financially sustainable for first-gen students.
Trine University Engineering Coffee Shop
Trine University Engineering Coffee Shop

Why Now? Because One Size No Longer Fits All

One in three college students in the U.S. is first-generation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). These students often face barriers not just in the classroom, but across every corner of campus life—from wayfinding and financial strain to isolation and lack of mentorship. Designing for these students is about removing unnecessary barriers and helping more students succeed on campus.

Institutions that make this commitment position themselves as leaders in inclusion, innovation, and student success, which can ultimately lead to increased enrollment, stronger retention, higher graduation rates, and more satisfied students.

Three Dimensions of First-Gen Accessibility

There are three critical forms of accessibility that must be addressed through intentional design. With this thinking, colleges and universities can empower first-generation students to succeed while enhancing the overall campus experience for all students.

1. Physical Accessibility

Confusing campus layouts can be discouraging for students unfamiliar with higher education environments. Design solutions like “one-stop shops” for student services, clear pathways and wayfinding, and proximity between academic resources and residence halls make campuses easier to navigate—and significantly boost student engagement.

2. Emotional Accessibility

Many first-gen students arrive without built-in support systems. Purposefully designed spaces like cohort-based housing and student service centers that incorporate social, study, and resource spaces cultivate belonging and encourage students to seek help.

3. Financial Accessibility

With over 70% of first-gen students working while enrolled, according to the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), affordability matters. Strategies that lower the cost of living—such as affordable housing, communal kitchens, and on-campus job opportunities—can directly alleviate financial stress and increase retention.
Trine College of Health Professions - Student Commons Grace College student housing exterior
Trine College of Health Professions - Student Commons Grace College student housing exterior

Building Flexible, Future-Ready Campuses

This approach doesn’t just focus on solving today’s problems. It encourages institutions to future-proof their campuses in several key ways. These include flexible classrooms with reconfigurable furniture and state-of-the-art technology, hybrid learning spaces optimized for both in-person and virtual learning, and sustainable buildings that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and require minimal maintenance. These flexible environments allow colleges to adapt to changing student needs—whether that’s accommodating a surge in commuter students or integrating new technologies that support remote learning.

A powerful example of design in action, the University of St. Thomas has implemented a student-centered approach by creating centralized service hubs, affordable housing close to campus resources, and hybrid learning environments. Their efforts have yielded measurable results in first-gen student retention and graduation—demonstrating the tangible benefits of putting design strategy at the forefront of student support.

The Call to Campus Leaders

Supporting first-generation students goes beyond updating campus facilities. It requires a coordinated effort among campus leaders to understand how we can leverage the physical spaces on your campus to better support your students and the processes in place to improve their success.

Universities can no longer afford to rely on traditional, one-size-fits-all campus layouts or siloed support services. A shift toward “student-ready” campuses—those that meet students where they are—is a strategic necessity.

Let’s Design the Difference: Whether you’re planning a new student center or revisiting how your current campus serves a changing student population, the design choices you make today will define the student experience for decades to come.

If you’re inspired to take action, we’d love to help you bring first-gen-focused design to life. Contact us to talk to one of our higher education experts to get started.

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