K-State First
Students doing Yoga on lawn

K-State First

K-State First is the University's first-year experience program, our way of helping students establish a great foundation for the rest of their college career.

A great college experience starts with a great first year!

K-State First has something for everyone, and we want you to get connected to exciting and engaging learning opportunities that will help you to succeed throughout your time at K-State.

Students
Love K-State First
This class has taught me about who I am as a young adult coming from a family who didn’t get their education. And sometimes I feel like I’m alone, but when I come to this class I feel whole again.
CAT Community student, First in the Family
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In every way, my freshman year exceeded all expectations. The smaller class size provided a great opportunity for me to meet friends on campus that were as excited and anxious about college as I was and that shared similar passions.
First-Year Seminar student, Fiction into Film
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K-State First Helps You Succeed

90% retention rate for CAT and FYS students from 1st to 2nd year
73% 6-year graduation rate for CAT and FYS students
86% retention rate for first-gen CAT students
100+ options to choose from that fit your academic needs

CAT Communities

These learning communities and living-learning communities are specifically designed for first-year students, and they connect you with peers that have similar academic, career, and major interests both inside and outside the classroom.

Get Connected
Group of students outside near a river

First Year Seminars

These are small, exciting classes that are taught in a lively, interactive way. Do more than just go to class: ask questions, interact with the professor and the other students, and challenge yourself with personalized, hands-on attention.

K-State First Book

The University's common reading program, K-State First Book, helps guide students' first-year transition by giving all a common experience through guided academic and social activities connected to the common book.

 Student Sitting on a Bench Reading
Who We Are
What We Do
Why It Matters
Teaching Resources
Co-Curricular Resources
Advising Resources

Resources

To provide quality opportunities for our instructors, advising partners, and collaborators across campus, K-State First has compiled a variety of resources that we hope will be beneficial in providing support for first-year student success at K-State.

Engagement & Research

As an integrated, campus-wide effort, K-State First appreciates and depends on the hard work and dedication of numerous students, faculty, and staff. We offer a variety of ways for all members of the campus community to connect with and support first-year students as they transition to Kansas State University.
Scholarship and Advocate Awards
Student Leadership Opportunities
Research and Assessment
New Student Convocation
Collaborate With Us