Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of self-esteem, emotional intelligence and social support on college adjustment in first year students in nursing. Methods: The participants were 270 first year nursing college students. Data were collected from September 5 to 12, 2011 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression with SPSS 18.0. Results: A positive correlation was found between college adjustment and self-esteem as well as emotional intelligence. The strongest predictor of college adjustment was satisfaction with nursing as a major. In addition, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, age, club membership, frequency of contact with faculty, and satisfaction with school life accounted for 57% of variance in college adjustment. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that programs promoting satisfaction with nursing major and appropriate counseling and academic guidance for nursing students are important for college adjustment in college nursing students.