Abstract:

This scientific article focuses on the investigation of the quality of life of students at the University of Žilina in the context of global challenges in education and research, with an emphasis on student support and motivation. The article analyses the impact of mental and physical health, life satisfaction, and the availability and quality of health, social, and public services, as well as educational institutions on the quality of life of students. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant social and environmental changes, including transformations in the educational and living conditions of students. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of these changes on the quality of life and well-being of students. This is a crucial step towards comprehending and addressing the needs and challenges faced by students at the University of Žilina, to ensure their academic and personal development during a period of uncertainty and change. The methodology used questionnaire surveys to obtain quantitative data on the mental and physical health, life satisfaction, and evaluation of public services of the HE students under study. The results of the research indicate that students at the University of Žilina are persistently dissatisfied with their quality of life. When comparing questionnaire surveys from 2021 and 2024, the main factors contributing to dissatisfaction were identified as psychological well-being, health status, and feelings of safety. Considering the impact of global educational challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, potential improvements for the University can be explored. These improvements involve emphasising the significance of students' physical and mental well-being, assessing their levels of contentment, and arranging consultations with professional psychologists and NGOs that provide support for young people's mental health.

Keywords:

Comparative analysis, Quality of life, Education.