Exploring Perceived Stress and Academic Adjustment Among University Students: A Comparative Analysis between Day Scholars and Hostellers

Abstract

University students encounter various social, emotional, and academic obstacles that affect their stress levels and ability to acclimate to school. The living situation may impact these elements, especially if they are a day scholar or a hosteller. In this study, the researcher aimed to compare perceived stress and academic adjustment between day scholars and hostellers among Greater Noida (NCR region) university students. They conducted a quantitative study on 120 university students in Greater Noida (NCR region) (60 day scholars and 60 hostellers) who were between the ages of 18 to 25 years, in which 21.66% of male participants and 78.3% of female participants participated in the study and were assessed on a socio-demographic sheet using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) (Cohen et al., 1983) and Academic Adjustment Questionnaire (AAQ-28) (Baker & Siryk, 1989). They analysed the data by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results revealed that day scholars and hostellers did not significantly differ in perceived stress (p = 0.463). On the other hand, day scholars scored higher (p < 0.001) in academic adjustment, indicating a significant difference with hostellers. While both groups experience similar amounts of stress, day scholars show superior academic adjustment. Residential status has a greater impact on adjustment than stress.