A Study on the Happiness Experiences and Perceptions of Freshmen in University Education

Objectives The purpose of this study is to study the happiness experiences and perceptions of freshmen in university education from the perspective of sustainable happiness. Based on the happiness experiences and perceptions of freshmen in university education, this study derived implications for university education based on sustainable happiness. Methods In this study, 15 first-year university students from University A in Busan were selected as research participants. This study collected data on the happiness experiences and perceptions of freshmen in university education through qualitative research methods such as writing a reflection journal, and analyzed the collected data from the perspective of sustainable happiness. Results First, the perceptions of happiness among freshmen was found to exist in the driving force for living, in what one seeks for and what can be discovered in daily life on a personal level, and in the bond with others and consideration for others on a social level. Second, the experiences of happiness in freshmen's university education was found to exist in living a stable life, studying with classmates, forming relationships as a member of the department, and growing as a university student. Third, the perceptions of happy university of freshmen was shown to be self-exploration education, relationship-enhancing education in terms of education, and safe educational environment, educational environment based on interaction with classmates, and educational environment linked to the local community in terms of educational environment. Conclusions First, university education based on sustainable happiness should set educational goals centered on the value of sustainable happiness. Second, university education based on sustainable happiness should be based on a balance of interest concern, consideration concern, and social responsibility for sustainable happiness.