Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students
Purpose 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 withi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2024-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2421032 |
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| _version_ | 1846124648976089088 |
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| author | Arnfrid Farbu Pinto Odd Morten Mjøen Nina Petersen Reed |
| author_facet | Arnfrid Farbu Pinto Odd Morten Mjøen Nina Petersen Reed |
| author_sort | Arnfrid Farbu Pinto |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-583ab0cf33214133835877d1f9f225c6 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1748-2623 1748-2631 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being |
| spelling | doaj-art-583ab0cf33214133835877d1f9f225c62024-12-13T15:19:03ZengTaylor & Francis GroupInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being1748-26231748-26312024-12-0119110.1080/17482631.2024.24210322421032Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for studentsArnfrid Farbu Pinto0Odd Morten Mjøen1Nina Petersen Reed2Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Purpose 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2421032student well-beingstudent mental healthinteractionsemotional energyinteractional ritual changeintroduction week |
| spellingShingle | Arnfrid Farbu Pinto Odd Morten Mjøen Nina Petersen Reed Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being student well-being student mental health interactions emotional energy interactional ritual change introduction week |
| title | Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students |
| title_full | Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students |
| title_fullStr | Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students |
| title_full_unstemmed | Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students |
| title_short | Beyond the first week: sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students |
| title_sort | beyond the first week sustaining the feeling of social inclusion and sense of belonging for students |
| topic | student well-being student mental health interactions emotional energy interactional ritual change introduction week |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2421032 |
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