Therapeutic Research

Abstract

Background：After the outbreak of COVID‒19, the infection was soon declared a pandemic and remains active after two years. First‒year students entering college in 2020 faced added challenges in adjusting to a new environment during the pandemic. 　　Purpose：Through a qualitative research design using focus group interviews, this study explores their experiences of adjusting to college life. 　　Methods：The participants comprised 14 college students who entered a Korean nursing school in 2020 and had completed their first year. Data were collected from January to February 2021 and analyzed using the phenomenological methodology proposed by Colaizzi. 　　Results：The exploratory research results were classified into five categories：stressed about a new experience, feeling helpless in an unresolvable situation, feeling depressed from severed communications, growth by overcoming challenge, and desiring a normal college life. 　　Conclusions：The findings highlight the need for systematic education at the college and departmental levels and virtual student interaction programs to help first‒year students adjust well to changed college life due to COVID‒19. It is also important to monitor first‒year students’ level of stress and depression and to provide psychological support and special attention.