According to the Journal of Higher Education, many first-generation students expressed a desire to give back to their families and inspire other family members to pursue higher education. First-gen students tend to have pressure on them to do well in school since their parents did not have the same educational opportunities. as a result they feel indebted to their parents and feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility towards them

Many First-Generation students expressed a preference for handling their problems independently and not burdening their families with their issues, according to Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. This self-reliance often led to coping strategies that were not problem-oriented, including avoidance and distraction. The family's emphasis on self-reliance conflicted with university norms, which encourage self-expression and seeking support.

First-generation students encounter various challenges as they make the transition to university life in the US., according to The Journal of Adolescent Research. These challenges revolve around the cultural disparities between their family values and the independence that is emphasized in academic settings. They often juggle their academic goals with their responsibilities and roles within their families.