Hvilke erfaringer har studenter med First Year Study Environment? – Sett i et folkehelseperspektiv

Master's thesis in Public health science (ME516)

Background: Education is the gradient used to the greatest extent in measurements of social inequality in health. People with higher education live longer, are more physically active, eat more fruit and vegetables, are less exposed for chronic diseases and mental challenges. In order to promote public health and even out social inequalities in health, it’s important for students to complete their education. In 2017 University of Agder started a student mentor program called First Year Study Environment (FYSE). This mentor program was supposed to promote well-being and lessen dropout for students starting their first year at the faculty for Technology and science. Purpose: Investigate students' experiences with the student mentor program FYSE, what significance FYSE has for the students in the first year of study at the University. The aim is to gain a deeper insight into students' experiences with the student mentor program, in a public health perspective. Conclusion: Emphasis should be placed on creating good conditions for the completion of higher education for students. According to research, student mentor groups seem to have an impact on well-being, motivation, learning, grades and ability to implement their studies. To promote better public health and even out health inequalities, getting more students to complete higher education can be a step in the right direction. Based on previous research and my findings, further research should be done on student mentor groups and the extent to which student mentor groups are important for completing higher education. Keywords: Higher education, public health, student mentor program, study mastery