Emotional wellbeing of first year university students: Critical for determining future academic success

Stressors and challenges faced by first year university students were investigated with the aims being to identify issues that may impact on emotional wellbeing of students, and also to assess whether issues impacting on emotional wellbeing affect academic performance. A sample of 181 students at an Australian regional university voluntarily completed a self report purpose made questionnaire. Results indicated that mental health problems and negative experiences for female students were strong predictors of academic difficulties, but similar findings were not found for male students. In male students, positive social interaction predicted less academic difficulties. These unusual findings are discussed in relation to strategy development for support structures provided by tertiary institutions.