The impact of housemate relationships on undergraduate student wellbeing

Abstract

Rates of psychological distress in UK undergraduate students are high. The majority of undergraduate students live with same-age peers, and are in a developmental period characterised by changes in social cognition and social relationships. As such, examining the relationship that students have with their housemates may be critical for understanding student wellbeing. In the current study, N=90 undergraduates at universities across the UK took part in an online qualitative study examining the role that housemates play in student wellbeing. Four themes were constructed from the data using inductive qualitative content analysis: Positive relationships stem from constant contact and shared experience; Positive relationships enable a wide range of emotional and practical support; Conflict stems from disrespect; and Poor relationships lead to loneliness, isolation and psychological distress. Together, the themes demonstrate the divergent impact that housemates can have on student wellbeing: they can be a source of immense support or great unhappiness. The findings demonstrate that, to understand wellbeing in UK undergraduates, relationships within student accommodation should be examined.