Parents of first-generation students

University is a new world for first-generation students, but also for their parents. We know that students who are the first in their families to go to college or university are more likely to suffer from negative emotions, thanks to scientific research. But we still know little about parents’ feelings and thoughts when their child starts higher education. Erasmus Magazine explores their experiences and relationship with their children in this special.

More insecurity, feelings of depression and stress. The experiences of first-generation students are well known thanks to recent research. But what is it like for parents when their child goes to college or university? There is not much research. So Erasmus Magazine spoke to eight parents about their experiences.

Master’s student Rashmi is the first in her family to go to university. This was a big step into the unknown for her, but also for her mother. “I thought: what is this like? Will it all work out?”

The fact that her parents did not know exactly what university and her education were like did not matter to Romy. She had support from her parents in many other ways. “I’m lucky with where my cradle was,” she says.