“It Was Rough”: The experiences of first-generation collegians transitioning into higher education amid COVID-19

During the global health pandemic caused by COVID-19, most collegians and higher education agents abruptly transitioned to online learning and virtual interactions. Although online education is not a new phenomenon, this was an unforeseen transition for most students in higher education. This study investigated what first-generation collegians in their 1st year and 1st-year transfers experienced at a public university in the northeast United States during the 2020–2021 academic year. Findings include increased isolation and mental health issues, connection-building, a lack of faculty and peer connections, and belongingness via in-person and virtual community spaces. Recommendations are provided for how higher education agents can best serve these collegians in virtual courses, programming initiatives, and beyond.