Student perceptions of a healthy university

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Higher Education Studies
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Universities are complex environments influencing individual and population health.
• The 'healthy university' concept utilizes a settings approach for whole-system health.
• The UK Healthy Universities Network developed a toolkit with a Self-Review Tool for university assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore student perspectives on the characteristics of a healthy university.
• To gather student input for refining the healthy university model and Self-Review Tool.

Main Methods:

• Consultative research involving student surveys and focus groups across eleven UK universities.
• Utilized a priori themes to develop a healthy university model and for thematic coding analysis.

Main Results:

• Students identified a healthy university as one promoting well-being across all operations, including facilities and curriculum.
• Affordable healthy food options and accessible exercise facilities are key student-identified features.
• The Self-Review Tool is a valuable starting point for universities on their healthy university journey.

Conclusions:

• A healthy university, tailored to student needs, fosters active global citizens who prioritize long-term health and well-being.
• Future efforts should integrate student desires for their overall university experience into the healthy university framework.
• The Self-Review Tool can be enhanced to support a more explicit conceptual framework for healthy universities.