Factors affecting new students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing at University
Chikwa, G. Rehman, Javairia
Chikwa, G.
Rehman, Javairia
Publication Date
2025
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(c) 2025 The Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
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Yes
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openAccess
Accepted for publication
2024-16-12
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Abstract
A higher sense of belonging has been shown to be associated with general wellbeing among students and its benefits are known to relate to academic and post-academic successes. Yet, we know little about newly enrolled students’ lived experience that links sense of belonging and wellbeing. This small-scale qualitative study (n = 8) showed that an interplay of factors including academic, social, surroundings, and personal space influence new students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing at university and within the discipline. Specifically, our findings revealed that undergraduate and postgraduate (home and international) students have different experiences depending on demographic characteristics such as age, gender as well as socio-economic factors. Further details revealed that enhanced student support is needed to ensure that different groups of students’ needs are addressed in an inclusive manner.
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Published version
Citation
Yong MH, Chikwa G and Rehman J (2025) Factors affecting new students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing at University. Innovations in Education and Teaching International. Accepted for publication.
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Article