Abstract

This study aims to identify and assess the counseling needs of first-year students at Thai Nguyen University (TNU), a major regional university in Vietnam. Transitioning from high school to university, students encounter significant challenges related to administrative procedures, new learning methods, and personal life management. Using a mixed-methods approach—quantitative surveys of 300 students and in-depth interviews with 10 students from five member universities—the study reveals that the highest counseling needs relate to physical and mental safety (average 4.5/5.0), study methods (4.3/5.0), and time management skills (4.2/5.0), while needs concerning application documents have improved. The paper proposes solutions to strengthen an integrated counseling system, with emphasis on mental health and self-management skills, to enhance first-year students’ learning experiences and adaptability.

Keywords: Adaptation, counseling needs, first-year students, self-management skills, Thai Nguyen University.