Interview

We interviewed five Aberystwyth University international students about the school's well-being and drew some conclusions.

We may learn about everyone's diverse perspectives and experiences with happiness through the interviews.

Better well-being experience

The surroundings of Aberystwyth are lovely. There may be a harsh environment with rolling hills, valleys, sand beaches, and the sea. It is nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay. Even the well-known Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia National Parks are only a short drive to the north and south of Aberystwyth, respectively.[1]

Aber's superior geographical environment improves the well-being of students. During the day, watch the sunrise alongside cattle and sheep in Abo. In the evening, students can observe the ebb and flow of the tide on the beach, eat barbecue, sit around the campfire, and watch the sunset from the west. Students might climb to the top of the knoll in the evening to gaze at the stars. Then, enjoy a round of bright moon and old fragrances. And the streets are vibrant at night, bars can be seen everywhere, and this scene can be seen everywhere.

Most students expressed their love of living in Aberystwyth. Because it is a beautiful seaside town that can offer students a relaxed lifestyle, some students bluntly said, ‘Every time I go to the beach, I feel very peaceful. It frees me from all my worries and troubles. ’

Lower well-being experience

Aber's students come from all over the world. Everyone's concept of happiness is different. For students of other majors, academic pressure is also an essential factor. For example, the School of Business and the School of computer science are overburdened with academic work, and the pressure of exams may make students unhappy.

Then language is also an aspect. There are difficulties in class and social interaction for non-native English-speaking students, such as Chinese international students. In a new and unfamiliar environment, students will encounter difficulties establishing relationships with strangers or face social challenges such as problems with classmates.

International students in foreign countries quickly feel lonely and lonely without the company of their parents and long-acquainted friends. Some students shared that they wanted to go home when they were sick. In addition, Aber's geographical location needs to be more remote, which makes it difficult to travel. These also have a negative psychological impact on students and affect their well-being in school.

Reference

[1] Aberystwyth.(2023) Our location. [online] Available at:<https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/discover-aberystwyth/about-aber/>[Accessed 29 April]