College life is more demanding than ever, and students are reflecting on what they need more of to feel their best and take care of themselves at school. This fall, thousands of college students from across the country sorted and ranked thirty-five holistic wellbeing priorities, using WellSort's digital Student Wellbeing Card Sort.
The results paint a clear picture: the majority of students want to prioritize their basic physical wellbeing needs, as well as their financial wellness first and foremost, but they’re also craving balance, adventure, and connection.
Students' Top Priorities: The Basics Matter Most
The highest-ranked needs—each identified as a priority by at least 65% of students—are all about fundamental physical and safety needs (think Maslow's hierarchy). These aren’t luxuries or nice-to-haves; they’re basic and essential needs, and impact all of the other dimensions of wellness.
Students want more time and opportunities for physical activity, quality sleep, and proper nutrition—all key to maintaining energy, good health, academic performance, and focus.
Add financial stressors to the mix, and it’s no surprise that these were the top wellbeing priorities reported by students. When students' basic needs aren’t met, everything else is harder.
Beyond the Basics: Finding Balance, Connection, and Joy
College students are also reporting that they crave connection, adventure, and personal growth, which all intersect to shape a fulfilling and balanced life.
While these priorities may seem more like “wants” than “essentials,” we know that they’re crucial for the social, emotional, and overall holistic wellbeing of college-aged students.
Students aren’t just looking to survive or get through their college experience—they want time to connect, explore, grow, and enjoy life outside of academics.
What This Tells Us: Key Takeaways
At their core, these priorities reveal that students know what they need to be healthy and whole, but they're struggling to build these needs into their lives. They’re seeking experiences that help them grow, relationships that keep them grounded, and opportunities that make life feel exciting and meaningful.
When all of these elements come together, they create a college experience that’s not just about studying all the time, but also about courage, connection, and becoming the best version of themselves.
The Bottom Line
These findings reinforce the need for colleges to address both foundational needs and broader well-being initiatives to support student success, holistically. Addressing these areas through both individual support and systemic changes can help institutions foster environments where students feel supported in reaching their wellbeing goals, and thrive academically and personally. Schools that recognize this and invest in both individual and environmental supports for student wellbeing will be setting up their students for long-term success.
What do you think? Are these priorities reflected in your own students' experiences? In what creative and innovative ways is your campus supporting these priorities at the individual, environmental, programmatic, and policy levels? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!
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