Social Adjustment Among First Year University Students

In an ideal situation, it is expected that higher institutions of learning must create an environment conducive for the all-round development of the students. However, the reality in Zambia is far from what is expected. Institutions of higher learning in Zambia have mostly focused on the development of the cognitive aspect of learning neglecting the others. This study looked into the factors which influence social adjustment of first year university students and also examined the relationship between their social adjustment and academic performance. The study findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between social adjustment and the variables of age, gender, place of residence, program of study, family type and economic status. It also indicated that there is significant positive relationship between social adjustment and academic performance of first year university students. Tertiary institutions in Zambia must strive to provide an environment conducive for better social adjustment among the students to facilitate their academic performance. It is the task of the educators to equip a youth of today to become a responsible social beings of tomorrow.