The student well-being monitor: identifying trends in higher education in The Netherlands

The well-being of students in higher education has received increasing attention, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study investigates trends in student well-being at a multi-campus university of applied sciences in the Netherlands between 2021 and 2024. Key indicators include depressive symptoms, resilience, emotional exhaustion, student engagement, study stress, and study motivation. Data were collected annually via the Student Well-being Monitor, a digital survey assessing various dimensions of well-being, including a total of 6,609 participants. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, one-way ANOVAs, and multivariable regression analyses, were used to examine changes over time. Results show significant improvements in depressive symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and study stress, suggesting a gradual recovery in student mental health. In contrast, trends in positive constructs such as resilience and study motivation were less consistent. The variance explained by cohort year was relatively small for all well-being indicators (0.0%–7.4%), indicating that demographic variables (e.g. gender, age, year of study), which were included as control variables, exerted a stronger influence on well-being outcomes. The findings suggest a recovery in student well-being following the pandemic, marked by reduced mental health challenges. Continued monitoring and tailored interventions are essential to address the diverse needs of students in higher education.