Findings from the 2009 Administration of the Your First College Year ...

SummaryThe 2009 YFCY captured a diverse range of student experiences, from campuscommunity and adjustment to financial aid and faculty interaction. Most first-year collegestudents reported being very satisfied with their overall college experience, indicating that theyhave had the opportunity to develop vibrant social lives while enjoying a positive sense ofcommunity. Students found the transition to college and the adjustment to their professors’expectations to be manageable—with the majority noting that it was “somewhat” or “very easy”to do so. In addition, during the course of their first college year, students reported developinghabits and behaviors that would positively impact their academic development.In terms of social experiences during college, many students indicated being involved insports, volunteering, and having daily interactions with their college friends. The majority ofstudents also reported being engaged in club/group activities and socializing with diverse peers.Over half of all students surveyed have dined or shared a meal with, and/or had honestdiscussions about race with a student from a different racial/ethnic group. Similarly, one in twostudents reported that their knowledge of different races and cultures became “stronger” or“much stronger” during their first-year of college.The longitudinal analysis of the 2009 YFCY indicates that, in most instances, students’expectations met their realities. For example, students who expected to make at least a Baverage, be satisfied with their college, or communicate regularly with their professors, did so invery high numbers. The YFCY also indicates that when faced with the new and unique demandsof college, students re-assessed how they allocated their time. First-year students were morelikely to spend six hours or more per week studying or doing homework than they did in highschool. Financial concerns, which are partly likely in response to the recession, also put a strainon students this year. Longitudinal analyses point to an almost 10 percentage point increase instudents reporting “major” concerns about college financing.Overall, students seem to be adapting, adjusting and advancing successfully during theirfirst-year of college. The majority of students are emerging from their first-year with a strongerunderstanding of global issues, knowledge of a particular field, and greater exposure to diversityof thought.29