“Trying to be positive in the face of the storm”: The experiences of independent college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic

The COVID‐19 pandemic created multiple stressors for college students, particularly for young adults experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage. Little is known about the pandemic experiences of independent college students, many of whom are emancipated minors, former wards of the state, and other...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Child & family social work 2023-05, Vol.28 (2), p.537-548
Main Authors: Sapiro, Beth, Shpiegel, Svetlana, Ventola, Marissa, Quiroz, Silvia Ramirez, Nwankwo, Oomi Helen, Munyereyi, Tariro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College students
Colleges & universities
COVID-19
Flexibility
foster care alumni
Gratitude
Higher education
independent students
Mental health
Original
pandemic
Pandemics
Peers
postsecondary education
Self Supporting Students
Stress
Young adults
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Summary:The COVID‐19 pandemic created multiple stressors for college students, particularly for young adults experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage. Little is known about the pandemic experiences of independent college students, many of whom are emancipated minors, former wards of the state, and other students who lack familial financial and practical support as they pursue higher education. Twenty‐three independent students, ages 18–23, from one northeastern university were interviewed to understand how independent students were affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, and their needs for support from the university during this time. Most participants were identified as Black or Latinx, and two thirds were first‐generation college students. Participants reported an overall lack of support from their families prior to the pandemic. During the pandemic, they experienced compounding academic, economic, and mental health‐related stressors. Students responded to these stressors in resilient and resourceful ways, by adapting to their new realities, expressing gratitude, and finding opportunities for self‐growth. Participants recommend that institutions of higher education support independent students during periods of emergency through providing financial assistance, offering opportunities for connection with both adults and peers, and demonstrating administrative flexibility and understanding of their unique needs.
ISSN:1356-7500
1365-2206
DOI:10.1111/cfs.12983