Resilient learning experiences of university students: Exploring positive future orientations

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the resilient learning experiences of 68 first-year university students (female = 36.76%, age range = 18–23 years). Data were collected using narrative sketches. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three themes: the wish, peaks and valleys, and from bitter to better. The wish theme pointed to students’ resilience motivated by their desired futures and aspirational goals. The peaks and valleys theme gave voice to the challenges that students experience and the strategies (personal strengths and support structures) used to cope with stressors and flourish. The theme bitter to better indicated that students drew on internal (e.g. hope and sense of coherence) and external (e.g. student development and support programmes) resources as they navigated the university experience. The findings highlight students’ positive future orientations and resilient learning as a crucial resource for student counselling services to support student well-being.