Perceptions of Academic Success and Quality of Life Issues Among Undergraduate University Students

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding about the experiences of undergraduate students regarding quality of life and academic success at a midsized Midwestern university. Two research questions drove the study: How do university students perceive quality of life issues as they relate to academic success, and what life experiences are identified as influencing college student’s perception of a positive or negative quality of life? Purposeful sampling was used and 11 students volunteered for the study. All were undergraduates in a college of health professions. The data collection instruments were semistructured interviews, secondary semi structured interviews and voluntary journals. The typological analysis approach was used to analyze the data collected from interviews and journals. The key findings were that participants identified four major themes that guided their understanding of quality of life and academic success: (a) purpose and meaning in life relates to overall academic success and quality of life, (b) stress, coping and academics were perceived as important to quality of life and success, (c) relationships with faculty are desired by participants and important to quality of life and academic success, and (d) technology and social media are perceived positively and negatively; they help and hinder academic success and quality of life. The ability to manage and cope with issues related to the above themes seemed to be related to development of the student, and experience at the university