The dynamics of ethnic identity and student life

Abstract

Students entering higher education need to integrate themselves into a new study community. Those coming from minority ethnic backgrounds may experience this phase more intensely since they may feel themselves to be different or consider that they are being treated differently. This article approaches ethnic identity as a dynamic concept. The differences characterizing students with varying ethnic self-definitions are explored as subjective factors that are important for good study progress. Finally, study progress after one year is analyzed.