Student mental health and transitions into, through and out of university: student and staff perspectives

Student mental health is an issue of paramount concern and it recognised that transition may have a negative impact. However, little work has captured transition-related experiences students staff. This study examined perspectives on perceived challenges with transitions into, during out university, perceptions what support would be beneficial for transitions. Students (n = 67) staff 40) from universities across the United Kingdom participated in focus groups student health. We used thematic analysis to identify themes. For students, themes focused equipping them cope, enabling networks, developing inclusive culture lengthening periods. staff, centred fostering preparedness, community social support, faced by services, ‘whole university’ approach. There were many similarities perspectives, comparing integrating these specific recommendations been identified. These working partnership, skills development, peer mentoring, funding, training, providing additional university. implications practices Higher Education, ensure are appropriately supported throughout university way which could ultimately benefit their