University Readiness and University Adjustment: Lived Experience of First-generation University Students

Abstract

The study purpose is to explore the relationship between university readiness and university adjustment of first-generation students. Students enter university with dreams and motivation after entering university the first challenge is to adjust in the university environment. University readiness directly linked and influenced the university adjustment of the students. Thus, the major objectives of the research are: to know the university readiness of first-generation university students and to access how first-generation university students in step to the university life. For the purpose of data collection, a self-administered well-structured questionnaire was developed and used. The COVID-19 pandemic restricted the movement of the individuals and the academic institutions remained close that’s why the method of online survey was adopted to collect data in the second half of year 2020. In total, 405 first-generation university students’ responses were collected. Results show that first-generation students were less prepared to enter the university. The researcher found a significant relationship between university readiness and university adjustment. It was also found that majority of the first-generation university students were less prepared to enter the university and feel themselves miss adjustment with university environment.