International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR)   Year: 2021 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 229-235 Metamorphosis: Exploring the Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of High School Students Transitioning to College Life via Online Classes Rona Therese L. Alejandro, Ulysses Gene R. Beltran, Nathaniel Nicolai B. Bermoy, Moryne Trisha B. Ignacio, Christopher DC. Francisco Abstract: This study is a qualitative Phenomenological Research about the challenges that first-year college students face when transitioning from high school to college during the COVID-19 pandemic. As education is one of highest forms and standards for a person to achieve many students have doubts when they move to the next stage of their lives. Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and greatly affected the education sector which moved and blended the classes online. The study will use a purposive sampling technique in selecting their respondents of the study, which are first-year college students. This study will use thematic coding in analyzing the data of the research. Based from the collected data, the researchers found out that first-year college students face different challenges in conducting online classes while also learning about the coping mechanisms that they do. The study presents eight themes from the respondents. We may safely conclude that freshmen college students still have difficulties in doing online classes and create new ways to manage online learning. Further guidance towards the students and support from the university including the faculty is recommended.