Students’ well-being: impacts of studying out-EU and perceived autonomy on the psychological quality of life

Abstract

Background. Well-being of university students plays an essential role in the success of a master’s degree and future career. The Luxembourgish government helps students with a financial aid attributed independently of their socioeconomic status. Some choose to study abroad. What relationships exist between their Psychological Quality of Life (Psy-QoL), career goals, perceived autonomy and the country of their university (Luxembourg, European Union, Out-EU)? Method. An online questionnaire was sent to all students who received financial aid. Psy-Qol, career goals, autonomy and study country were assessed. A multiple linear regression was used. Findings. 526 students participated (55% women, age 27.1±6.0). Psy-Qol was 72.4/100. Participants who studied out-EU had higher Psy-Qol and higher autonomy than those who stayed in border universities (France Belgium or Germany; p=0.033* and p=0.016* respectively). Psy-Qol was mostly impacted by perceived autonomy (β=0.45***) and study country (β=0.07 (adjusted R²=0.213). Discussion. Students with a better psychological quality of life mobilized their capabilities to study out of their country, which is related with better autonomy. Implementing workshops to increase individual skills may improve and/or maintain well-being and limit social inequalities.