Factors Influencing Student Well-Being Within Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

The chapter presents various factors which directly or indirectly impact students' wellbeing and consequently their academic performance also gets affected. These factors range from academic to social, financial, awareness of mental health issues and support services provided by the universities. The authors conducted a survey where almost 200 UG, PG, PhD students participated. The academic factors include the resources, guidance provided by the faculty, the various tasks and responsibilities that are assigned to the students for their academic excellence. The major findings indicate a need to have a balanced approach while assigning academic work. The results indicate that students feel stressed when multiple academic assignments are given, and they have other tasks too to complete at the same time. The universities may think of better ways to train the students on how to manage their academic affairs without getting anxious. Social factors, which are also important, cover students' feeling of belongingness to the university, group dynamics, their social life and the instances where they felt alienated. The responses show that almost 38% of students feel or felt isolation occasionally. The universities may create a more conducive environment and plan activities which promotes more social interactions and meetings. More social and cultural activities can be organised where students may get along and can build rapport with each other. Another important factor is physical activities which include lifestyle, physical activities, sleep, etc. The results imply that students are fairly aware of the importance of maintaining a good and healthy lifestyle as it is directly related to their academic performance. Besides physical health, mental well-being is an equally important factor. The universities have become aware of promoting mental health. The responses reveal that the students feel low at times but the mentoring support which is provided by the universities help them overcoming their anxiety and stress. These initiatives by the universities have proved extremely helpful for the mental health of the students. Financial factors are also crucial and affect the students' performance. Financial factors imply students' sense of financial stability. The students' financial insecurity leads to their academic loss. Some students take part time jobs to bear the expenses of their education. The support services which are provided by the universities such as resources, financial aid, counselling, faculty guidance, play a vital role in students' academic journey. The students acknowledge the support provided to them yet there is a need to highlight and being articulative about the support services so that maximum students may take advantage of them.