Social Adjustment of First-Year Students from East Nusa Tenggara in Surabaya: A Study of Adaptation in the Academic Environment

Abstract

Student mobility to major cities requires a high level of social adjustment, particularly for first-year students from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who pursue higher education in Surabaya. Differences in culture, language, and patterns of social interaction often generate psychosocial challenges during the early phase of university life. This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the social adjustment experiences of first-year students from NTT within a multicultural academic environment in Surabaya. This study employs a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. The participants consisted of four students from NTT selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings indicate that students gradually shift from avoidance strategies to more adaptive coping strategies through social relationships and peer support. This process strengthens social adjustment and enhances students’ psychological well-being.

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