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1. Factors affecting students’ academic achievement and experiences
Introduction
High schools open a gate for students to enter the world of experiences known as higher
education. Individuals who pursue their education see themselves achieving their future goals
now. They select a particular field of education and then spend years in order to pursue their
goals. Without students, university has no worth. Students are the most essential asset of any
university. A country’s social and economic development is contingent on students’
performances and their attitude towards university which predicts the performance. There are a
lot of personal, social, financial and environmental factors which affect these perceptions and
attitude and ultimately affecting their academic performances.
As fancy as it may seem, university life, nonetheless brings about its own challenges. Some
students may find a group of friends and some may find it hard to find a single friend. Some may
find some subjects easy while others may be having opposite view. Wesee our world through our
own lens and our experiences are shaped by what we perceive and how we interpret the
messages from the experiences we encounter. Times Higher Education Supplement suggested in
its report that in higher education level, every one in four students do not retain in university and
in the case of low income students only 54% retain. (Marcus, 2004)
Provision of quality education and therefore subsequent performance of students of schools has
become inevitable. Scientific education in a systematic fashion is provided to people around
world in place known as university. This organized fashion of teaching and inculcating
knowledge, manners and abilities help the learner learn various skills for his life in long term, but
not every individual achieve the same. There are some factors on which achievements of an
individual depend. University life helps individuals to grow financially and become able to deal
with social, political and cultural issues they encounter. (McCabe, 2000)
For better institutional decision making and to assure quality structures, bringing students voice
is very necessary. For this purpose, students’ expectations and perception of their higher
education system is very important to know. It should also be noted that state also hold every
student (without racial or economic or social background discrimination) to equally high
expectation of their achievement. (Weiner, 2000)
Teacher student relationship
The teacher-student relationship builds a foundation of success for a student in any given class.
There has been a wide variety of research done in kindergarten, primary schools and secondary
schools which acknowledges the significance of such relationship and its effect (Yamashiro and
Noam, 2013) (Roorda, Koomen, Spilt and Oort, 2011)

2. And the student teacher relationship does not end at this thing only rather it also entails how
teacher is delivering his course to the students, how affective he is and how much gets to inspire
students around him. An affectionate tutor is always been liked. Similarly, understanding
students’ perspective is also very important. Not every individual is same. Every person has his
own motivation and inclination towards a subject or a teacher and it has an effect on their
academic achievement in short as well as long term. The more a tutor understands the differences
the more he addresses their diverse needs and thus helping them. (Felder and Brent, 2005)
Similarly, supporting in assignments, timely corrective feedback, encouragement and face to face
short visits have helped students and they consider it as an important mileage to their
achievement when they know they are being guided in proper direction and timely.
Sleep
Though sleep doesn’t directly relate to university experiences but it is a major role player in
academic performance. It is been our common observation that mostly students do not keep sleep
as a priority. It is the key to restoring our energy just as food and exercise. Little sleep increases
our risk to decreased concentration, attention and even memory deterioration. It also decreases
the strength of brain to retain new information. For long term memory, deep sleep is a necessity
as learning occurs during our REM cycle of phase of sleep.
Majority of students (almost 50%) students say that they don’t get sufficient sleep time (Lack,
2010). Knowledge about sleep hygiene is very scarce in students and it leads to their sleep
practices which effect study and grades in long term (Brown, Buboltz Jr., and Soper, 2010).
Commuting to university
According to Higher Education Statistics Agency, 297, 870 students commute to university.
Commuting easily to university, whether by a walk, cycling or by transits makes it easier to
reach university at time and save time thus positively affecting the grades. But the achievements
can be affected in worst case scenarios when commuting is not easy. The more it takes time to
commute to university, the more it becomes a hurdle to stay fresh and focus on studies everyday.
Job during studying
Most students in their university time, to get hold of their expenses start doing part time or full
time job. Center for Higher Education Research and Information (CHERI), (2009) reported that
though the job and employment affect their study time, it affects mostly the non-academic
aspects of their life for example socializing with their groups etc.
Similarly school resources are of important nature because it is sometimes because of these
scarce resources that student go for jobs to fulfill their academic needs. (Burtless, 1996)
Though the students were overall showed an unsatisfactory perception towards university, yet
majority of them were satisfied with their grades. It also highlights that no matter how the

3. situation get on and no matter how much surroundings get uncomfortable, individual’s personal
motivation and will is very important to success and achievement. Work on the administration
side is also needed to ensure the experience of students at university be the best of all because
these four years are shaping their views about world and their own selves and that highly
depends on what they see and learn at university and through which ways, easy or difficult.
Literature review
It has been become a focus of study of different policymakers, researches and practitioners to see
and found the experience of students in higher education. As the number of students enrolled in
higher education is increasing globally, it has become necessary to understand how they
experience higher education in different national, institutional and disciplinary settings. (Ashwin,
Klemencic. 2016)
National Union of Students in 2008 conducted a broad survey in UK universities to find out
overall experiences of students about university they study in. some of the results showed that
many students were seeing university as a mean to an end, means they wanted something out of
university (job, career), very few students (29%) reported that they wanted to experience
university. Similarly, 31% chose the university they study because of the less travel distance
from their home. 81% of students were well satisfied with the resources and facilities they were
provided with for their course work and studies. Only 54% students were satisfied with the
practical work facilities at the university whereas majority of the students responded with un-
satisfaction. 75% students were employed as well as studying. Almost 46% of them were reliant.
This definitely affects the achievement by hampering with their studying time. The survey
conducted also analyzed that 74% students enjoyed going to their universities. The students who
were not enjoying had their own reasons. One was level of teaching and the other was the costs
of university. 86% were contended with their decision to go to university wherein 56% were very
pleased. Some students (37%) said that if they are allocated more funds they would spend money
on learning. (NUS Student Experience Report, 2008)
A study conducted by Wanyama (2013) in Kenya investigated school based factors which
influence students’ performance at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Narok North
Districts. It was a descriptive survey research. Findings of the study revealed that the major
school based factor which was influencing the performance of students were inadequate learning
materials. Similarly some schools also identified lack of availability of adequate teachers.
Another study in Uganda by Nannyonjo in 2007 suggested that qualification, training of teacher,
age and experience and duration in a school affected students’ performances along with
supervision styles and administration style implied by principal of a school.
One study by Tinklin and Hall (1999) reported findings of disabled students’ experiences in
higher education in Scotland. All higher education institutes were consulted for policies and
regulations for disabled students and 12 in depth case studies were carried out in the research.

4. The results showed that disabled students faced obstacles in 5 areas of their higher education life.
The physical environment, access to information, entrance to higher education, assumption of
normality and levels of awareness were the major 5 areas of those obstacles. In most cases,
instead of removing obstacles, only assistance is provided to disabled students to pass through
such obstacles. This research also acknowledged of the positive steps taken to improve the
obstacles and improving access of disabled students.
University life gives an opportunity to learn the things we want to specialize in. So teaching and
experience of students towards teacher become very necessary to be studied because it affects the
way student learn and in turn affect their achievement and overall experience of the educational
institute. A study found out that 73% of students were satisfied with the teaching methods used
for their coursework. One in ten were not, whilst the others were not contented neither
dissatisfied. The teaching methods were lectures (98%), seminars and tutorials (91%), essays
(82%) and projects and dissertations (82%). (Casey, 1997)
One of the major experiences which students encounter is the social group they become a part of.
34 first year students were interviewed to analyze their social support in university. Findings
suggested that making compatible friends actually lead to retention and a student’s living
arrangement is central to this process. Such friendships provide emotional support as a family
also buffering any stressful situation. Relationship with tutors were deemed importance but less
significant in the study. (Wilcox, Winn, Gauld, 2005)
Another experience, which students come across their higher education, is research. A study in
New Zealand, where 34 students studying in different levels of physics, geology and English,
were interviewed and their understanding of education in university and experience of research
was analyzed. It was revealed that students’ experience varied both in spatial and temporal ways
across the disciplines depending how much knowledge they have conceived and explored. Some
students find and early proximity to research while for some, it remains a remote phenomenon
throughout their under graduation. (Robertson, Blackler, 2006)
A study by Karemera in 2003 found out that students’ performance highly depends on the
facilities available at university such as computer labs, libraries and transport etc. and it affects
their satisfaction level for university too. Similarly, Young in 1999 also suggested that students
who avail the library of university achieve more academically then students who do not.
A study by National College Health Assessment II IN Saskatchewan University suggests that
25% students reported that their sleep deprivation has affected their performance negatively and
93% of the students responded that at least one day in a week, they feel tired and exhausted for
whole day because of constant sleep deprivation or sleeping for less than 6 hours a day.
The finding of this study will have theoretical and practical implications. It will be helpful to
teachers, educators and administrators in understanding views of students about university and
factors that actually influence and shape their experiences and performance. In essence, it will

5. helpful for administration to actually incorporate such facilities and opportunities for students
which will change their attitude towards the university and in long term will affect their
academic performances and satisfaction from the system they are enrolled in.
Method:
Positivist approach for survey was considered suitable so it was followed because it was
objective way of gaining knowledge about the experience of students. As mentioned above
survey method was used which comprised of 14 quantitative questions and 2 opinion based
questions. Positivist approach of research shows a true essence of research that is to scientifically
deduce hypotheses and observe or gain knowledge not by just observing but through proper
statistical or mathematical calculations which reduced the chances of researchers’ bias towards
attitude of respondents and results.
There were 16 questions in the questionnaire and the data was analyzed through SPSS. Two of
the questions were opinion based so they were analyzed differently. Other 14questions were
analyzed through SPSS. Pie charts were used to describe the frequencies of students’ responses.
Fieldwork
Questionnaires were developed to analyze the perception of students and their achievement in
university. Data was collected from 40 students. There was no random selection of sample rather
it was a convenient sampling method used for data collection.
No incentive was provided to the students to respond on the questionnaire.
Results:
Results are shown in the tables and pie charts below. Demographics are shown in the table
whereas frequencies of respondents to questions are presented in pie charts.
Frequency Table
Gender
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid male 20 50.0 50.0 50.0

6. female 20 50.0 50.0 100.0
Total 40 100.0 100.0
Sample consisted of 20 males and 20 females.
Race
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid
AfricanAmerican 15 37.5 37.5 37.5
white American 6 15.0 15.0 52.5
Asian 5 12.5 12.5 65.0
mixed 3 7.5 7.5 72.5
other 11 27.5 27.5 100.0
Total 40 100.0 100.0
Age Group
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid
18-21 24 60.0 60.0 60.0
22-28 9 22.5 22.5 82.5
28-30 7 17.5 17.5 100.0
Total 40 100.0 100.0
There were 15 African American students, 6 Americans, 5 Asians, 3 mixed race and 11 others
students were approached for this study. Total of 20 males and 20 females were approached for
the research. Age range was divided into three groups of 18-21 years (24 students), 22-25 (9
students) and 28-31 (7 students).
Q1: Do you enjoy University?

7. The responses came out to be 27% for Yes and 72% for No. one of the reason for not enjoying
University was lack of social support.
Q2: what do you like the most about university?
27% of students responded that they liked the teaching style most, 40% marked surroundings,
15% on resources while 17% liked other things about university.
Responsesto Q1
Yes
No
Responsesto Q2
teaching
sorroundings
resources
others

8. Q3: what do you think could be seenas a barrier to succeeding?
35% students thought that shortage of attendance was a barrier for success, 15% considered
social influence as hindering their success, 40% deemed personal circumstances to be inevitable
and 10% exclusion.
Q4: do you have any other commitments other than studying? Please tick the boxes that
apply to you?
Responsesto Q3
punctuality/attendance
social influence
personal circumstances
exclusion

9. 60% students were employed, 15% had career and 25% were parents too along with studying.
Q5: how does it have an effect on you learning process?
It affects the motivational level for studying because of busy schedule of students
Q6: are there any good reliable facilities at University?
Responsesto Q4
employment
career
parenting
Response to Q6
Yes
No

10. 30% of students responded that there were good reliable facilities at the university while the
remaining 70% thought of no good reliable facility.
Q7: do you think there are enough resources that support you with your assignment?
30% students responded with a positive answer while 70% responded with negative on this
question.
Q8: do you have one to one sessions with your tutor?
Responsesto Q7
Yes
No

11. 20% said they have one to one session with their tutors while 80% denied it.
Q9: is it easy to communicate tutors outside university?
25% of the students considered it easy for them to communicate with their tutor outside the
university while 75% denied it.
Responsesto Q8
Yes
No
Responsesto Q9
Yes
No

12. Q10: is commuting to university easy?
52.5% students considered it easy to commute to university while 47.5% appeared to have
difficulty.
Q11: how long does it take you to get to university?
Responsesto Q10
Yes
No
Responsesto Q11
less than half an hour
1 hour
2 plus hours

13. 25% students reported there travelling hours less than half an hour, 17% said it was 1 hour while
57% said they take almost 2 or more hours to reach university.
Q12: how many hours of sleepyou get?
65% students said they have 6 hours of sleep, 17.5% said 8 hours and 17.5% 10 hours.
Q13: do you think bullying occurs in higher education?
Responsesto Q12
6 hours
8 hours
10 hours
Responsesto Q13
yes
no

14. 20% students said bullying does occur in university while 80% denied it.
Q14: do you feel safe within university?
67.5% students said they feel safe within university while 32.5% said they do not feel safe.
15: what could be improved to help refine your experiences in university?
The answer to this question was found out that students need more assistance in assignment
projects.
Q16: Have you been reaching your expectedgrades?
Responsesto Q14
yes
no

15. 67.5% students were satisfied with their grades and expectations while 45 % were not satisfied.
Reliability of the test:
An analysis of reliability was carried out on SPSS on the questionnaire but as the data is from
small population, reliability analysis could not be carried out.
Conclusion:
As evident by the results, majority of the population covered in data was females and most of
them were African Americans. The results displayed above shows that students are not actually
satisfied with the university facilities available to them. They find it hard to have support for
their assignments and also most of them responded that they find it difficult to communicate with
their tutors once they are out of the university premises. Almost every student in the data was
either employed or were parents to children which made it difficult for them to concentrate on
their studies. It is important to note because this also hampers their achievement in many areas of
study life. Knowing the conditions, university administration should take some steps to
accommodate such students for their ease. Studying alone is a hectic and time consuming area of
life, adding other responsibilities like marriage, parenting, or job makes it double effort for them.
Not only this shows the commitment of today’s generation to studies, it also gives us an
opportunity to pay heed to these matters in university.
Students were not satisfied with their meeting outside university with their tutors. Reasons can
be many but as research shows, students’ success depends highly on their interaction with their
teachers. (Joosten, 2012). Student teacher interaction can happen in any form, online, in-person,
in or out of office hours, small group meetings etc. course lectures, where tenure is
Sales
Yes
No

16. comparatively long, these interactions are of important nature. Teachers make their students able
to face and question their own struggles, take responsibility of their intellect and hard work and
to strengthen their connection with teacher. Teacher sometimes act like a window to outer world.
Some teachers, for convenience, even assign short visits of students to office in their course, thus
enabling them to have a chance to make their connection strong with their tutors by “breaking
the ice”. This also gives teacher an opportunity to grasp their way of teaching from the eyes of
others. Conversations outside the classroom sometimes prove to be enriched personally as well
as professionally, but it depends on how much time efficient it is, otherwise it can be time
consuming. It serves as a platform for both students and teachers for extended interaction and
productive processes in a classroom and definitely learning of a student. (Pingree, 2000).though
interaction is very much important but there is an interesting fact about students in UK that they
are less dependent on their tutors as compared to their counterpart in other European universities
students, and they also are more likely to engage in learning facilities apart from their major
courses more than their European counterparts (CHERI, 2009).
Recommendations:
 More in person sessions with tutors should be arranged for students as to help them
personally and in academics too.
 Availability of resources to do practical work and financially supporting students would
enable them to channelize their energies into the work they have basically enrolled in.
 Socializing event will help out students in meeting with new people and ways to work
with people and this will also motivate them to engage in university based activities
more.
 As mentioned in the results, commuting to university for majority of students took more
than 2 hours which definitely affected their study schedule and makes it difficult to focus
on studies, availability of transport system or enhancing the current transport system can
be recommended.
 Similarly, offering residency to students on minimal costs will benefit not only students
in their cost management but also time management.
Limitations:
Following are the limitations to this study;
 The sample size was small so the results are not generalizable to major population.
 Researcher was not able to control the attitudes of respondents which may cause biasness
to the results.
 The data was not as robust so no recommendations can be properly made on the basis of
this small data.