Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2024 Dec;19(1):2421032. doi: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2421032. Epub 2024 Oct 27.
Promoting inclusive student communities and a sense of belonging is essential for university students' well-being and mental health. Our aim in this study was to explore how universities can enhance student well-being by facilitating interactions that contribute to a sense of belonging within the university environment.
Through thematic analysis of 309 written narratives collected from students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), we explored significant events related to their studies, social lives, or personal experiences.
Introduction Week is important for students' well-being, providing a key opportunity to form initial social connections and foster a sense of belonging. However, its impact is inconsistent, and building lasting relationships requires continued effort throughout the academic journey. Recognizing and addressing potential challenges when expectations are unmet is essential for enhancing student belonging.
Our findings suggest that while Introduction Week plays an essential role in breaking social barriers and ensuring immediate social inclusion, the greatest challenge lies in establishing structures that facilitate belonging and relationships throughout the entire period of studies. Recognizing the diverse needs of students, universities should offer a variety of platforms for engagement and connection to enhance student well-being.
促进包容的学生群体和归属感对于大学生的幸福和心理健康至关重要。我们的研究旨在探讨大学如何通过促进有助于大学环境归属感的互动来增强学生的幸福感。
通过对挪威科技大学（NTNU）309 名学生书面叙述的主题分析，我们探讨了与他们的学习、社交生活或个人经历相关的重要事件。
迎新周对学生的幸福感很重要，它提供了形成初步社交联系和培养归属感的关键机会。然而，其影响并不一致，并且要建立持久的关系需要在整个学术旅程中持续努力。认识和解决期望未满足时的潜在挑战对于增强学生归属感至关重要。
我们的研究结果表明，虽然迎新周在打破社交障碍和确保即时社交融入方面发挥了重要作用，但最大的挑战在于建立在整个学习期间促进归属感和关系的结构。认识到学生的多样化需求，大学应该提供多种参与和联系的平台，以提高学生的幸福感。
