Student Wellbeing

Student wellbeing is dealing with the issue of reaching optimal studying conditions for all students. Student wellbeing here refers to meting the necessary conditions in order to assure the highest possible student contribution to society as well as the highest possible amount of individual freedom, responsibility and contentment. Student wellbeing therefore is an issue of mutual interest for students and society. Student wellbeing is concerned with all aspects of student life: social and academic conditions as well as cultural aspects.

Students form all but a homogeneous group. There is a great variety of needs, interests and personal backgrounds within the student community that is growing with the intensifying role of HEI´s in life long learning. Mobile students, students with children and students with disabilities are openly discernable groups. Groups forming the student community can also be defined e.g. by social, geographical or cultural background. In order to achieve genuine student wellbeing, the interests and specific needs of all different groups have to be taken into account.

ESU's opinion on the matter
Students are grown-up members of society and as such cannot be regarded or treated as children. Students need to have control over their own life, having independence and the freedom to make choices in all areas regarding their academic and private development. Both physical and social security have to be guaranteed in order to ensure freedom and independence. In order to act responsibly, students need to have access to all relevant information and be given responsibility both on a personal and collective level. Relevant participation has to be ensured in all areas that are not at the individual disposal but are directly affecting student life.