Students’ descriptions of belonging experiences in post-secondary settings

For higher education students, feelings of belonging play an important role in their academic success and overall health and wellbeing. However, few studies to date have examined the contributors to and impacts of belonging experiences among post-secondary students within a qualitative paradigm. Written descriptions of belonging experiences were provided by 849 students as part of a survey and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Five major themes encompassing contributors to participants’ sense of belonging were identified: achievement, learning experiences within courses, demonstrating expert knowledge, extracurricular activities, and connection with others. Two themes were related to the impact of belonging on students: changes in self-perceptions and emotions and transformative, lasting effects. Implications of these findings for students, professors and academic staff, and administrators are considered.