Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University
Although previous research has shown that psychological distress increases on entering university, little is known about first-year student perspectives on the stressors in university environments, and what measures might better support student mental health and well-being during the transition peri...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2021-03-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.634285/full |
| _version_ | 1819122244048125952 |
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| author | Joanne Deborah Worsley Paula Harrison Rhiannon Corcoran |
| author_facet | Joanne Deborah Worsley Paula Harrison Rhiannon Corcoran |
| author_sort | Joanne Deborah Worsley |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Although previous research has shown that psychological distress increases on entering university, little is known about first-year student perspectives on the stressors in university environments, and what measures might better support student mental health and well-being during the transition period. The present research seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the unique transition period from home, school or college into university in order to identify aspects of the university experience (teaching, curriculum, support services, accommodation) that could be adapted to better support student mental health and well-being. Eight focus groups were conducted across two higher education institutions in North West England. Focus group data were thematically analyzed. Four overarching themes were identified: “Tackling multiple challenges”; “The preparatory role of schools and colleges”; “University staff and services: Feeling supported/unsupported”; and “Friendships.” Although pressure to perform academically whilst fulfilling the stereotypical student life is keenly felt during the transition period, many students conceal their struggles from family and friends. Living beyond their familiar support structures often leaves students in need of compassionate humans to turn to for support or advice, especially as many keep their struggles hidden. Large-group teaching settings stifle social connection and leave students feeling lonely. Loneliness was also experienced within accommodation environments. Providing increased opportunities for connection within living and learning environments would enable young people to build and strengthen relationships with fellow students and staff. As supportive environments foster a sense of belonging and community, universities should ensure that students feel supported by staff and peers whilst they acclimatize to multiple new challenges. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-22T06:49:22Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3d6ac2536d69434db3c290d8475e5984 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2296-2565 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-22T06:49:22Z |
| publishDate | 2021-03-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-3d6ac2536d69434db3c290d8475e59842022-12-21T18:35:12ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652021-03-01910.3389/fpubh.2021.634285634285Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into UniversityJoanne Deborah Worsley0Paula Harrison1Rhiannon Corcoran2Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United KingdomStudent Administration and Support, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United KingdomDepartment of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United KingdomAlthough previous research has shown that psychological distress increases on entering university, little is known about first-year student perspectives on the stressors in university environments, and what measures might better support student mental health and well-being during the transition period. The present research seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the unique transition period from home, school or college into university in order to identify aspects of the university experience (teaching, curriculum, support services, accommodation) that could be adapted to better support student mental health and well-being. Eight focus groups were conducted across two higher education institutions in North West England. Focus group data were thematically analyzed. Four overarching themes were identified: “Tackling multiple challenges”; “The preparatory role of schools and colleges”; “University staff and services: Feeling supported/unsupported”; and “Friendships.” Although pressure to perform academically whilst fulfilling the stereotypical student life is keenly felt during the transition period, many students conceal their struggles from family and friends. Living beyond their familiar support structures often leaves students in need of compassionate humans to turn to for support or advice, especially as many keep their struggles hidden. Large-group teaching settings stifle social connection and leave students feeling lonely. Loneliness was also experienced within accommodation environments. Providing increased opportunities for connection within living and learning environments would enable young people to build and strengthen relationships with fellow students and staff. As supportive environments foster a sense of belonging and community, universities should ensure that students feel supported by staff and peers whilst they acclimatize to multiple new challenges.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.634285/fullfirst-year student experiencetransition periodlonelinesssense of belongingfriendships and relationshipswell-being |
| spellingShingle | Joanne Deborah Worsley Paula Harrison Rhiannon Corcoran Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University Frontiers in Public Health first-year student experience transition period loneliness sense of belonging friendships and relationships well-being |
| title | Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University |
| title_full | Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University |
| title_fullStr | Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University |
| title_short | Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University |
| title_sort | bridging the gap exploring the unique transition from home school or college into university |
| topic | first-year student experience transition period loneliness sense of belonging friendships and relationships well-being |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.634285/full |
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