Fitting in or standing out? Social integration of first-generation students in selective Russian universities

European Journal of Higher Education. 2026.

Vilkova K., Maiukova E., Shcheglova I., Dremova O.

Higher education serves as a tool to foster social mobility; however, some groups of students may benefit from it more. The massification of higher education has led to opening access for first-generation students (FGS), who previously were underrepresented in universities. Although many studies point to significant difficulties of FGS in integrating into a new, more prestigious environment, as well as challenges in building social connections, there is no strong empirical evidence of whether FGS struggle with social integration more than continuing-generation students (CGS). This study aims to investigate the factors that hinder or facilitate students’ ability to build social networks and establish peer relationships. We utilise longitudinal data from eight Russian universities (N = 1187) to compare social integration of FGS and CGS in two dimensions – friendship and study collaboration. Both FGS and CGS benefit from forming new social ties, but their patterns differ. FGS tend to have weaker study collaboration, likely due to limited access to supportive peers. While forming new connections enhances integration for both groups, FGS face challenges in initiating these ties, which restricts their ability to build friendships. In contrast, CGS utilise their existing social capital to strengthen its collaborative learning through established connections.

Keywords: friendship, social integration, selective universities, first-generation students, study collaboration

Publication based on the results of: The formation of a national higher education system: key changes and their effects (2025)