Surviving and Thriving at a University in the United Kingdom

Abstract

While considerable research on college student surviving and thriving has been conducted in the United States, fewer studies exist that examine these phenomenon multinationally. This mixed methods study, conducted at a large multi-campus university in the United Kingdom, examines factors purported to contribute to college student retention and engagement in a British context. Data were collected and analysed in the five theme categories of belonging, student support services, academic engagement, decision-making and resilience. Significant differences were found in student engagement by metropolitan vs. suburban campus, and in levels of engagement in academic and student life by gender.

Surviving and thriving at a UK university through a minority lens.

“…For this study, the researchers conducted a secondary analysis to the original study completed in 2017 (DuVivier et al, 2018). Secondary analyses provide researchers with an opportunity to examine new research questions through previously established datasets that are often inclusive of underrepresented groups (Little, 2013).…”

“…For the original study (DuVivier et al, 2018), a multi-factor student retention and engagement survey was designed to explore factors influencing student retention and student engagement. The instrument was piloted, revised, and reviewed by the UK university's student engagement office before use in this study.…”

Educational factors enabling the new students to survive and thrive

“…Academic activity, such as transition seminar for students at their first year is providing support for new student through targeted and personalized learning [59]. Supporting services provided by organization, such as assistantships, social activities, counselling, financing and course option [60], and students engagement are several predictors of educational thriving [61].…”

“…Social interaction, involvement in organization activity, selfreflection and support from family strengthen their resilient capacity. Resilient capacity, coping with stressful situation, is the determinant of educational thriving [61], [81]. Resilience needs to be defined by incorporating the feature of wellness in which human condition is flourished by love, appreciation, confidence and contribution [82].…”