The perceptions of first year students on the impact of relocation on their adjustment at university : a relocation study.
Date
2009-02-13T08:12:17Z
Authors
Nkuna, Joy Manini
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Abstract
The research aims to establish the perceived impact of relocation on first year student’s
ability to cope with academic demands at University.
The research intends to answer the following questions: How do first year students
perceive their adjustment at University? Has the relocation impacted on the students
functioning on any level? For example: -Academically, Emotionally, Physically and
Socially.
A large number of young adults relocate due to the need to pursue their chosen careers at
the University. However, this happens at a time in their life when there is a lot of turmoil
around social and individual identity and the pressures from society to achieve, including
pressures to secure their future. This happens independently from parents and relevant
social ties when students study away from home.
A qualitative methodology was used for the research. The sample consisted of 10 Black
female post matric first year students at University. The age range of participants was
between 17 and 20. Data was collected through the use of semi structured interviews.
Gathered data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. This involves organizing the
data into categories on the bases of the themes and concepts. The concepts were then
linked up in the form of a sequence. Eight steps were then followed when analyzing the
data, which forms part of the criteria for thematic content analysis.
Results obtained indicate that students find relocation to be a perturbing experience
which pushes one out of their comfort zone into the unknown. This experience forces one
to make numerous adjustments. The move taps into one's ability to deal with ambiguities,
function independently and implement a task to deal with unanticipated challenges. Thus
students are expected to take on the role of young adulthood. This brings with it the
reality that they now have to be independent. As a result of this, most students get
involved in what is called goal modification, namely focusing on what they would like
instead of focusing on what their parents would want.
The process is challenging as one is going through a process of loss and, in other ways,
gain. The loss of social capital is felt as having a negative impact on academic
performance. This is because students loose their source of motivation, support and
reliable company. They now have to source it within themselves, an attribute which has
proven to be difficult. Relocation is viewed as a compounding variable to other
challenging factors to students. Hence the students’ relocation is perceived to be a
variable which tends to have a negative affect on students’ academic performance. This is
due to the fact that relocation tends to create a sense of discontinuity from known
academic structures, social support ties and familiar surroundings. The loss of the above
mentioned factors tends to aggravate the process of academic adjustment.
Description
Keywords
Relocation, Coping, Adjustment, First year university students, Impact