Psychological Challenges Faced by Freshmen University Students in Zimbabwe During Covid-19. A Case Study of a University in Harare

The psychological health of university students has attracted the attention of many scholars and university administrators across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic is considered to have worsened the psychological wellbeing of student due to its persistent disruption of life, financial security and learning in most parts of the world. This study focused on the psychological health of university students in Zimbabwe, focusing on a university in Harare. The research focused on freshmen students, a group that has received little attention in empirical literature. It specific objectives were to ascertain the psychological challenges faced by undergraduate freshman at a university in Harare during the COVID-19 pandemic, to establish the causes of psychological morbidity among undergraduate freshman at a university in Harare during the COVID-19 pandemic and to find out what must be done to improve the psychological health of freshmen university students in Zimbabwe. The research used a case study research design that was anchored on a qualitative research approach to come up with its findings. Data was collected from 30 freshmen students using focus group discussions (FDGs) and from 6 members of staff from the Students Affairs Department. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the research data. the results of the study indicated that depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and intention, eating disorders and drug and substance abuse were among the major psychological challenges facing freshmen students during COVID-19. It was found out that the main factors causing these challenges included difficulties adjusting to the financial distress, new environment and new life, separation from family and friends, uncertainty and fear of the future and lack of sleep. The research thus recommended the need to reintroduce student grants, institute dedicated psychological health programmes for freshmen students and the need for student to adopt positive coping mechanisms as strategies to enhance the psychological wellbeing and quality of life of freshmen university students in Zimbabwe.