University students are calling for more flexible and adjusted schedules in higher education, expressing concerns over evaluation overload and requesting more uniform criteria, a study released today indicates.
The research, conducted by the Observatory of Healthy Learning Environments and Youth Participation, also reveals that nearly 10% of students report a high level of absenteeism, and 13.2% exhibit high levels of “presentism,” meaning they attend university physically but lack the necessary physical and/or psychological health conditions.
To enhance healthy learning and teaching environments, the 2,339 students participating in the study, coordinated by psychologist Tânia Gaspar from Universidade Lusófona, expressed the need for greater involvement in the decision-making processes of higher education institutions.
Students highlighted “serious deficiencies” in infrastructure, such as rooms with leaks and damaged restrooms, a lack of timely responses from institutional communication channels, and the absence of accessible channels for student complaints and participation.
University students also feel the need for “requalification of the teaching staff” and call for increased institutional sensitivity to student realities, more internship opportunities throughout their courses, and greater support in transitioning to the job market.
Forty percent of higher education students consume psychotropic substances, and one in ten takes amphetamines or stimulants, according to a study involving over 2,300 students that reports high levels of ‘burnout’ and a lack of psychological support.
Lusa | 06:43 – 20/06/2025
More than half report being unable to engage in remote teaching, and nearly 70% feel their institution does not adequately support students and families in vulnerable situations, with many considering tuition fees excessive.
Regarding perceptions of the academic environment, 71% state that the study workload has become “increasingly demanding,” 65% report a “constant pressure” of time due to a heavy study load. However, around 70% say they receive the respect they deserve from their teachers/advisors/supervisors and peers.
Concerning health behaviors, almost half admit to not having good eating habits, and over 70% lack good sleep habits.
Eight out of ten report high levels of stress, and only 33.8% maintain good/very good exercise habits, referencing at least 2.5 hours/week of moderate physical activity.
One in five university students smokes daily, 13% drinks more than two alcoholic beverages a day at least weekly, and 9% consume amphetamines or stimulants at least weekly.
Forty percent consume psychotropic medications, and 13% use cannabis weekly.
In terms of screen use, 40% report spending eight hours or more per day on screen time for work and 34% on leisure activities.
The report “Healthy Learning Ecosystems in Higher Education Institutions in Portugal” involved various specialists from the fields of health, sociology, psychology, mental health, and human resources management, as well as members of the Psychology, Innovation, and Knowledge Service and the Aventura Social team, an association promoting research and interventions in health promotion and social behavior.
