First-generation college students are a population of students who are often under-served in higher education institutions. Previous research indicates their well-being is impacted by their experiences within the collegiate environment, which contributes to their lower retention and graduation rates. The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore the lived experiences of first-generation college students regarding their well-being, self-efficacy, sense of community, imposter phenomenon, and institutionalized classism; and how these experiences impact their academic success and academic life satisfaction. Through the examination of these constructs, the primary research question guiding this study was: "What helps/hinders first-generation college students' well-being?" The supporting research questions explored the actions first-generation students take to improve their well-being, strategies first-generation students use to overcome issues related to maintaining their well-being, intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the well-being of first-generation college students, and impact the well-being of first-generation students has on their academic success and academic life satisfaction. This study resulted in five major findings: (1) First-generation college students' well-being is impacted by their families; (2) First-generation college students struggle with finding balance between school, work, and social life; (3) First-generation college students utilize self-care practices to improve their well-being; (4) New learning surfaced regarding the well-being of first-generation college students as a result of this study; and (5) The study findings support modifications to the conceptual framework focusing on self-efficacy, sense of community, institutionalized classism, and imposter phenomenon to include family dynamics as a foundation for the well-being of first-generation college students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]