Chapter 2 contextualizes emerging adulthood and changing life course development processes within larger economic, social, and cultural trends. Within this context, this chapter discusses the role of contemporary higher education in understanding and adapting to those changes. The chapter explains how changes that created the elongation of life course development, including longer periods of transition into adulthood, help to make sense of modern college students. Students learn how experiences with moving, changing identities, picking an academic path, as well as romantic partnering and breakups, all fit within the life stage tasks of establishing identity while forming intimate and durable relationships. Achieving a better grasp of how transitioning into adulthood looks for young people today helps students understand themselves, meet their needs, and explain themselves to others.