College During COVID-19

COVID-19 ushered in a new set of challenges for many university students. First-generation students in particular already face barriers to academic success, and COVID-19 likely exacerbated these challenges. This mixed-methods study aimed to: (1) provide a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate students’ experiences overall; (2) examine impact over fall 2020 and spring 2021; and (3) explore potential differences between first-generation students and their continuing-generation peers. Participants completed an online survey (N = 345) and follow-up interview (n = 15). Quantitative analysis indicated a greater overall impact of COVID-19 in fall 2020 compared to spring 2021, and revealed the impact on students’ experiences of stress, interactions with friends and family, and daily routines decreased from fall 2020 to spring 2021. Results also suggested first-generation students reported lower impact than their continuing generation peers regarding experiences of stress, interactions with friends and family, and daily routines. Qualitative data illustrated the impact on social, emotional, motivational, and academic facets of school and highlighted coping strategies used in response to challenges faced. Given these insights, institutions should examine ways to further support students in areas most impacted in order to promote academic success.