EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY FIRST GENERATION FEMALE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examines the first generation female students’ experiences and challenges in the university. It highlights the impacts of these experiences and challenges on their educational performance. The main objective was to explore the lived experiences of the first generation female students in Pakistani university. The study universe was Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad. The qualitative research tools and methods are used because the topic demands the in-depth exploration of student’s experiences and challenges and their impacts over their educational performances and practical life. For this purpose, I selected 13 respondents who were females and belonged to the category of first generation students. The study dealt with the kinds of issues and challenges that the first generation female students have to face, and the extent to which it all affects the students, when they enter the university. They have to proceed with the new social settings while maintaining their norms and values. The experiences of first generation female students impact their educational performance