Pursuing higher education: adaptation challenges and coping strategies of rural students at urban universities in Bangladesh

This study examines how students from rural areas in Bangladesh face particular challenges in adapting to university dormitories in urban areas. There has been an increase in the number of students migrating from rural areas of Bangladesh to the cities for pursuing higher studies. These students face numerous challenges to adapt themselves to a diverse and unfamiliar cultural setting of an urban university dormitory. Following Oberg’s (1954, 1960) “culture shock” model, this study examines the adaptation challenges and coping strategies of rural students living at the urban university dormitories in Bangladesh. Mixed research methods, using paper-based questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, were used to collect data. Drawing upon a survey among 400 students and 10 in-depth interviews, this study identifies specific challenges that most students face in their adaptation process such as, substandard food quality, unhealthy accommodation, psychological trauma, depression and anxiety. The most effective coping mechanisms are fostering a positive attitude, joining social associations and talking to friends and families. It is expected that findings of this study would be useful for tertiary educational institutions to develop a support system that will help rural students better adapt to urban settings, which would positively contribute to their educational outcomes.