Informational capital and the transition to university: First‐in‐family students' experiences in Austrian higher education

The agenda for widening participation in higher education has led to increasing numbers of students with a broader range and family backgrounds. However, transitioning the university landscape remains highly complex negotiation process, especially first-in-family students, who cannot draw on previous experience from their families. Gaining access informational capital—a combination cultural social capital—plays crucial role managing transitions. We rich empirical data obtained 26 autobiographical narrative interviews Austria investigate how transitions are affected by capital. also explore capital was influenced (1) institutional practices, such as initiatives support first-year students; (2) fit—the extent which student's corresponded dominant field chosen discipline or establishment. Our findings show that gaining strongly practices at universities within different disciplines, thus highlighting importance institutions supporting during transition processes. conclude policy implications can assist succeed university.