CONCLUSIONS  

The results of this study suggest that there are three inter related issues of

main concern: more work and less study while at college, poor coping skills

linked to mental health and high levels of alcohol related harm. These issues

impact on student well being and welfare and have the potential to

undermine the student's academic performance. The most vulnerable

students are those in first and second years.

1. Work versus Study: The fact that many full time undergraduate students

spend more time working than on study during the college term reflects

the reliance and importance of paid employment as a source of income

for students during their college years.  Given that similar amounts of

money are spent on food (an essential) and alcohol (a non essential) and

that work and money are sources of stress, one of the challenges for

students is to create a healthier balance and better management of their

income during the college term.  

2. Coping Skills: Students' ability to cope with the growing pressure of

modern life and college life, both internal and external, is of critical

importance to their overall wellbeing. The results from this study

demonstrate that students' coping mechanisms are not very conducive to

positive mental health. The student population's  vulnerability was

evident in that many students were unable or unwilling to reach out for

support and assistance, would deny the existence of their problems or

would respond with behaviours that would further increase their risk of

problems and harm. Of particular concern was the high number of poor

coping strategies especially among first and second year males. Young

males have been identified as a high risk group for suicide

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and this

study again confirms their vulnerability. The findings of this study provide

insights in to the potential for change and improved personal coping by

developing student social networks and in particular their same age

friends as a key point of support.   

The encouraging signs of healthy lifestyle among students are that many

take regular exercise. The provision of college sports and leisure facilities

enhances student participation.  However, female participation in sport

could be improved. The fact that fewer students smoke than in the

general population and one in four who were previous smokers had

already quit are all positive signs. There is the potential to improve

student eating habits by encouraging more fruit and less sweets. While

the majority of students do practice safe sex, one in ten do not.  The use

of helmets when cycling among the student population was very low and

increases the risk of severe head injuries.  Drug use, in particular cannabis

use, was high in the student population. 

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