The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of full-time first-year college students residing on the college campus and understanding the students' perceptions of college readiness prior to and during attending college. Fifteen first-year college students were sampled for interviewing and interview protocols were conducted through the Zoom platform. The study was aided by the NVivo 12 Pro program and van Manen's approach to data analysis. Four major themes emerged from this study which included, adjusting to college autonomy, homesickness and adjusting to the college environment, finding meaning in social relationships, and the utilization of social support structures. The findings provided a background of information on understanding the socio-cultural and environmental issues experienced by first-year students upon joining college that may limit the needed stability that will facilitate the achievement of the desired learning outcomes. More importantly, the study findings provide higher education institutions with a framework for promoting seamless transition and adjustment among first-year students. While the findings of this study may require further research to enable generalizability, higher education institutions should make it an area of priority to facilitate first-year students' transition and adjustment through the administration, the faculty, and peers providing first-year engagement and social support programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]