In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, educational environments have been significantly adjusted to the resulting restrictions. Accordingly, social distancing and emergency remote teaching have been implemented, both potentially affecting students’ well-being, mental health, and resilience. In light of previous findings emphasising university students as an at-risk group concerning their well-being, examining their mental health responses to the pandemic appears to be of considerable interest. Furthermore, we believe that students’ well-being is determined by their interactions with their surroundings, including the learning environment and the individuals therein. Therefore, student well-being and mental health should not be investigated solely on an individual, but instead also on a systemic level including their academic surroundings.
To investigate students’ well-being, mental health, resilience and perceptions surrounding their studies during the initial phase of the public crisis, the University of Antwerp administered an international survey study (van de Velde et al., 2021). In the present study, we will use the data gathered at the University of Groningen from the extensive data set, and analyse it regarding students’ social and physical well-being, mental health, resilience, and academic satisfaction as well as distress. Furthermore, we aim to enhance these findings with an exploratory evaluation of students’ learning environment.