With over 30% of our campus student population, first-generation college students bring valuable insights and experiences to our institution. Navigating college can be challenging, especially if neither of your parents has received a bachelor’s degree or need extra support. The Vandals First Office (VFO) is here to partner with you. Through academic resources, mentorship and community building, we make sure you have the tools to succeed at U of I.
How We Support You
- Find Answers — Not sure where to start? Stop by the VFO during office hours for guidance.
- Join the Vandals First Cohort — Get one-on-one advising, tutoring, an orientation retreat, social events and more.
- Build Skills — Learn about financial aid, time management, career planning, mental health and other key topics.
- Get a Mentor — Connect with an experienced student through the PACE Peer Mentoring Program.
- Celebrate Success — Your achievements matter. We recognize and honor first-generation students through special events and speakers.
Your Support Team
Vandals First Cohort Program
College is easier when you have a strong support system. The Vandals First Cohort Program helps you build a foundation for success through personalized advising, academic support and a close-knit community. If you're a first-generation student or need extra guidance, this program is designed for you.
What You Get
- Monthly advising sessions to keep you on track
- Weekly study tables with tutoring
- A three-credit first-year course to set academic and personal goals and identify campus resources
- A leadership retreat to connect with peers
- Social events to build friendships and community
How to Join
- Current U of I students: Download and submit the 2025-2026 intake form to vandalsfirst@uidaho.edu or drop it off at TLC 230.
- Incoming students (2026-2027): Submit the 2025-2026 intake form via email.
Vandals First Resource Hub
Success at U of I goes beyond the classroom. Whether you are looking for academic support, financial guidance or assistance in planning your future, resources are available to keep you moving forward.
Asking college students questions you didn't know how to ask
University of Idaho students answer the most popular questions about what it's like at college.
- Academic Advising — Find your advisor and schedule an appointment.
- Academic Coaching — Work one-on-one to improve study habits and overcome challenges.
- Tutoring — Get free, drop-in tutoring across a range of subjects.
- SI-Pass — Join peer-led study sessions for challenging courses.
- Writing Center — Get help with essays, research papers and applications.
- Mathematics Assistance Center — Staffed to assist students in math courses.
- Financial Aid — Get answers about tuition, aid and financial planning.
- Scholarships — Use ScholarshipUniverse to find funding opportunities.
- BEAMS Program — Learn money management and financial planning skills.
- Vandal Food Pantry — Access free groceries and food support.
- Bruce and Kathy Pitman Emergency Fund — Financial support for emergency situations.
- Career Support — Find on campus and off-campus jobs, get help with your resume and interviews, attend career fairs and more
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Counseling and Mental Health Center — Find mental health services and support at University of Idaho
- VandalCare — You can submit VandalCare reports for yourself or someone you know who might be going through a difficult time. The CARE team will provide proactive assistance and follow-up.
-
Recreation and Wellbeing
- The Student Recreation Center (SRC) — access more than 80,000 square feet of opportunity to workout, play and relax
- The Outdoor Program — connect with your environment by attending a trip with fellow Vandals, renting equipment and more
- Vandal Health Education — attend a cooking class, learn about nutrition and more
-
Community and Belonging
- Clubs and Organizations — choose from over 200 clubs to join or start your own
- Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities — Learn how you can make your community and world a better place through civic engagement and social action, student government, student media and service opportunities.
- Study Abroad — find opportunities of a lifetime to travel, experience life and school somewhere else, and engage in education exchange.
- Fraternity and Sorority Life — learn more about fraternity and sorority chapters, recruitment, community and expectations.
- Explore Events at University of Idaho
- Engage UIdaho connects you with student involvement activities
- Explore the event calendar
U of I Moscow, Through the Seasons
Experience the most beautiful campus in Idaho and it's seasonal display.
Other Campus Support Programs
There are many support programs that meet students’ unique needs.
- College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) assists students who have qualifying migrant/seasonal farmwork backgrounds by providing financial and academic support services.
- International Programs Office supports international Vandals and their dependents on F, J and employment visas by providing advising on immigration and cultural topics and by organizing events and activities.
- Military and Veteran Services helps you apply for and receive VA education benefits whether you are a veteran, guardsman or reservist, on active duty or a dependent of a veteran.
- Raven Scholars program is an individualized, supported-transition program for University of Idaho students on the Autism Spectrum
- Student Support Services - TRIO (SSS-TRIO) program provides individual academic and personal support to eligible undergraduate students to help them succeed at University of Idaho and beyond.
- Tribal Nations Student Affairs offers a range of opportunities that support academic, cultural and personal growth.
Other Campus Resources
- Office of Information Technology (OIT) — request technology assistance, order your Vandal Card or find guides and basic information
- Housing and Residence Life — explore your options, choose your meal plan and submit your housing application
- Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) — Empower your learning journey with accommodations for testing, living, technology and more
- Career Services — Strengthen your resume and practice your interviewing skills to secure internships, employment opportunities or graduate school.
PACE Peer Mentor Program
Starting college is easier when you have someone to guide you. The Peer Advising on the College Experience (PACE) program connects you with an experienced student mentor who can help you navigate U of I.
Why Join?
- Build a strong academic and social support network
- Connect with faculty and staff
- Learn how to navigate financial aid, academic advising, and campus services
- Meet new people and make lifelong friends
- Get personalized advice and guidance to make your first year a success
Become a Mentor or Mentee – More details coming soon.
You’re not alone in your journey at U of I. The Vandals First Office is here to support you every step of the way.