Managing health and well-being: student experiences in transitioning to higher education

It is commonly recognised that health and well-being are influenced by social conditions, such as the transition to higher education. This study explored student perceptions and experiences of factors that impacted on health and well-being during the first year of university studies. Data for this study were collected via an online student questionnaire. The questionnaire included closed questions to collect demographic data and open-ended questions to collect data about students' perceptions and experiences of factors that impact on health and well-being. Findings revealed that a range of factors impact on student well-being during the transition to university studies. These include geographical relocation, engagement with university learning, sense of community as well as managing time and competing demands. Implications for the higher education sector and the need for further research amongst specific student cohorts, including first in family and relocating students, are discussed.