The article aims to expose the main academic and socio-affective challenges faced by students from rural sectors in the first years of Higher Education in La Araucanía, Chile. The research methodology is qualitative and descriptive, supported by an interpretive paradigm. The data collection instrument is the semi-directed interview. The data analysis procedure is based on the theory based on open and axial coding. The results show that students in rural sectors have greater academic difficulties as a result of low curricular coverage in secondary education, which negatively affects their professional training process. In addition, they face socio-affective challenges that are related to feelings of loneliness, difficulties in adapting to the urbanized context, and distancing from the family environment. These factors limit academic and educational success in higher education.