University students and study habits

• Published in: Irish journal of psychological medicine pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Clarke, C, Mullin, M, McGrath, D, Farrelly, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 10.05.2021
• Subjects: university students; study habits; Covid-19; mental health
• ISSN: 0790-9667; 2051-6967
• DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2021.28

The objective of this study was to understand the variables or study habits that inform study in undergraduate and postgraduate students attending Trinity College Dublin. A descriptive, cross-sectional anonymous online survey was used to gather data to explore student study habits. Survey 1 was completed by participants in April 2019 and survey 2 was completed by participants in April 2020, during the COVID-19 restrictions. A total of 1557 participants completed survey 1 in 2019, and 1793 participants completed survey 2 in 2020. In both surveys a majority reported using caffeine, library study, sleep pattern adjustment and excercise to aid academic performance. Survey 2 participants reported COVID-19 resulted in increased difficulty studying (91%). In particular loss of structure and routine was negatively impacted by the pandemic (92%), and increased feelings of stress were reported (75%). Our study suggests a potential role of the college environment as a target for the implementation of interventions to promote student learning, healthy study habits and well-being. The global pandemic has resulted in additional challenging demands for universities to serve an essential role in supporting college students study habits.