University students: Choice of studies and future expectations

Abstract

The qualitative side of a survey on university students halfway through their studies is presented here. The data have been gathered from some interviews and focus groups with students from four different degrees at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. More specifically, the following aspects affecting students’ living are studied: motivations, future expectations, life conditions and their social relations with their peers and lecturers. These variables allow us to identify different students’ profiles depending on which studies they are engaged in; we can also catch a glimpse of a changing portrait because of future expectations that is impinging on present orientations towards combining studies and work.