What does it truly mean to "belong" in college, and how does it impact student success? Dr. Smaranda research explores the distinct roles of academic and social belonging, uncovering how different belonging profiles shape both academic performance and psychological well-being. Additionally, taking a cultural psychology lens, she investigates how emotional (mis)match - how well students understand and share the emotions of their peers - can influence first-generation students’ adjustment to college. This talk will highlight key findings from her work, revealing surprising psychological mechanisms that drive student experiences. She will also discuss exciting ongoing research and offer practical recommendations for fostering student resilience and well-being on campus.