Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / In general, peers have a tendency to influence others positively and negatively. In the main, transition from school to higher education causes some students to experience stress; to respond negatively to new conditions; and to engage in risk behaviour, which hinders epistemological access, negatively affects performance, and often delays graduation. Nonetheless, participation in peer group activities has advantages and potentialities, which are often neglected in popular scholarly discourse. The main research question of the study was to investigate the experiences of peer pressure among first-year students? This study adopted a mixed-method research design and presents findings for both quantitative data which was collected through an electronic survey and qualitative findings from focus group interviews with three different groups: females, males, and, mixed gender. The population comprised first-year students living in two residences of a selected South African university. The qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis, while the quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Spearman’s Rank correlation was used in the study. In consideration with the transition theory, social learning theory, and student involvement theory. Findings reveal that first-year students join different groups and they encounter both positive and negative experiences. Positive experiences were observed in relation to academic performance and sense of belonging. Negative experiences indicate that peers influence others to adopt anti-social behaviour, experience undue materialistic pressure, have poor class attendance, and depend on peers for decisions. Overall, it is found that academic success depends on students’ interconnectedness, sense of belonging, peer support, acceptance, and recognition. The findings can be utilized to inform practical strategies and policies to empower first-year students to deal productively and progressively with peer pressure within the higher education sector. The study recommends the implementation of a First-year Student orientation programme which is called University 101 that can assist first-year students with better transition to higher education and can increase retention output. The programme should address the crucial areas that will assists the first-year with better transitions such as diversity, well-being, self-esteem, academic excellence and peer pressure.

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In this article are presented the results of research of first-year students of the Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Ural Federal University, studying on courses "Hotel business", "Service" and "Physical Culture" and several points of view of scientists studying interrelation between the physical and mental condition of students and the effect on them of a physical break and independent physical exercise. As a result we proposed the conditions for improving the physical and mental condition of first-year students, which make it possible to solve some problems associated with the process of adaptation to the educational process at the university. / В работе представлены результаты исследования первокурсников Института физической культуры, спорта и молодежной политики (ИФКСиМП) Уральского Федерального университета (УрФУ), обучающихся на направлениях «Гостиничное дело», «Сервис» и «Физическая культура», а также несколько точек зрения ученых, изучающих связь физического и психического состояния студентов и влияние на них физкультурной паузы и самостоятельных занятий физическими упражнениями. Предложены условия улучшения физического и психического состояния первокурсников, позволяющие решить, в том числе проблемы, возникающие в процессе адаптации студентов к учебному процессу в вузе.

The purpose of this study was to explore first year student nurses’ experiences of encounters with death and dying of a patient during clinical practice so as to make recommendations on increase support for first year student nurses. Qualitative research which was explorative, descriptive and contextual was conducted. Data collection was done using in-depth unstructured interview. Nine participants were interviewed and data was analysed. The findings revealed that lack of knowledge, emotional trauma, low self-esteem and nutritional disorder are the results of dealing with death and dying of patients for first year student nurses. Negative attitudes of clinical professionals, shortage of staff and congested block programme were identified as some aspects worsening the situation. Incidental learning that occurs with negative experience encountered was also identified. The findings show the need for review of curriculum for first year student nurses and the need for change of attitudes of clinical professionals / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to explore first year student nurses’ experiences of encounters with death and dying of a patient during clinical practice so as to make recommendations on increase support for first year student nurses. Qualitative research which was explorative, descriptive and contextual was conducted. Data collection was done using in-depth unstructured interview. Nine participants were interviewed and data was analysed. The findings revealed that lack of knowledge, emotional trauma, low self-esteem and nutritional disorder are the results of dealing with death and dying of patients for first year student nurses. Negative attitudes of clinical professionals, shortage of staff and congested block programme were identified as some aspects worsening the situation. Incidental learning that occurs with negative experience encountered was also identified. The findings show the need for review of curriculum for first year student nurses and the need for change of attitudes of clinical professionals / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)

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