The Impact Of Covid-19 On University Students Living In Residential Halls

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted university students’ physical and mental well-being, especially those living away from home. A focus group of 20 students living in university halls during the pandemic were interviewed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed participants’ loneliness and anxiety due to their social disconnections with peers and family and a sense of uncertainty. They have used social support and acceptance to cope with stressors such as anxiety and loss of interaction whilst living The current findings may be an urgent call for interventions and preventive strategies to address the mental health of university students.