Coping Strategies Among First Year Students and its Influence on their Education: A Study of Universities in Arusha Region, Tanzania

November 7, 2023

Daniel R. Mkumbo
Head Teacher, Goodwill Secondary School, Arusha.
Email: dannyrichard42@gmail.com

Kennedy Omondi Otieno
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha.
Email: omondiken2016@gmail.com

Charles Gervas Rufyiriza
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha.
Email: rufcharles@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the coping strategies among first year students and its influence on their university education in Arusha Region, Tanzania. Objectives were to assess the challenges facing first year students and their influence on their university education and examine the coping strategies to the challenges facing first year students in universities in Arusha Region. Coping Theory guided the study. Convergent mixed methods design was adopted. Sample size consisted of 150 (100 students, 35 lecturers, 10 Non-Academic Staff – NAS and 05 deans of students) in 5 universities. Students and lecturers were obtained through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. NAS and deans of students were purposively sampled. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect data. Validity was established through expert input. Reliability was determined using Guttman split half method and reliability index, SQ; r=0. 760, LQ; r=0. 738 and NASQ; r=0. 676, was reported. Credibility of qualitative instrument was established through detailed reporting of the research process. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data in the SPSS version 23 and results were presented in tables. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis and was presented in narrative forms. Results show that first-year students arrive in university unprepared to handle many challenging and stressful conditions such as homesickness, financial management and unsafe hostels that await them. In conclusion, the transition from secondary school and home environment to university life requires psychological adjustment. Recommendations were made for parents/guardians and university management to guide and counsel first year students to adapt coping strategies in the university.

One Reply to “Coping Strategies Among First Year Students and its Influence on their Education: A Study of Universities in Arusha Region, Tanzania”

There are really some hardships that are faced by the university and college students still they can overcome the challenges mentioned and make the most of their university and college experience by seeking support, managing time effectively, prioritizing their well-being, and nurturing relationships between themselves like through groups as the peer can also share a good and moral company (This is all about selection of friends), sharing one to one’s time also through a fit and best relationship with parents and guardians or sponsors that they may never feel less, or lack something this may be All about financial support, love, care and the sense of belongingness and so to the closeness between them and the staff and other workers turning their university life to a normal manageable and liveable.

Perpetua Richard mkumbo says:

November 10, 2023 at 5:01 pm

There are really some hardships that are faced by the university and college students still they can overcome the challenges mentioned and make the most of their university and college experience by seeking support, managing time effectively, prioritizing their well-being, and nurturing relationships between themselves like through groups as the peer can also share a good and moral company (This is all about selection of friends), sharing one to one’s time also through a fit and best relationship with parents and guardians or sponsors that they may never feel less, or lack something this may be All about financial support, love, care and the sense of belongingness and so to the closeness between them and the staff and other workers turning their university life to a normal manageable and liveable.