COVID-19 and the university socio-cultural environment: an exploration of the expectations and experiences of LGBTQ+ first year undergraduate students.

Abstract

Background: Research relating to the subject of students’ university experiences is often limited to exploring academic experiences or mental health struggles. This appears true for research exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ students as well as research examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. An opportunity therefore presented itself to explore an under-researched area: the expectations and experiences that LGBTQ+ first year students had of their socio-cultural university environment. Methodology: This research used an interpretivist-constructivist lens to conduct ten semi-structured interviews with first year university students who identified within the LGBTQ+ community. Data was analysed with the use of Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis, with all six stages of the analysis process followed. Findings: The six themes generated from the data were: the high expectations that students have of university life; the perceived loss of learning, social and cultural experiences; a sense of community and bonding encouraged by the pandemic; disappointment, anger and worsening of well-being; difficulties accessing formal support and other approaches to well-being; and finally, the importance of the LGBTQ+ community and spaces. Discussion: The themes identified the importance of reducing the gap between student expectations and experiences as well as the value of university as more than a place of striving for academic success. The themes laid bare the importance of social and cultural experiences for the mental well-being of students and the consequences when these are inhibited. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ spaces and communities are demonstrated to be fundamental to well-being, personal growth, social bonding, and expression of identity. Recommendations for future research are made as well as a call for universities to consider their responsibilities in relation to supporting the well-being of LGBTQ+ students and creating a socio-cultural environment that meets these students’ needs.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Terry Hanley (Supervisor) & Laura Winter (Supervisor)