This study examined the lived experiences of first generation college students at a women's college and how their social identities contribute to their perceived sense of belonging on campus. Strayhorn's (2012) Model of a Sense of Belonging was used as a theoretical framework for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven…

Research shows that first-generation college students are less likely to be retained from their first to second year, and struggle with sense of belonging, comfort with faculty, and the establishment of a positive first-generation student identity. This qualitative case study evaluated the effects of a residential living learning community with a…