AN INVESTIGATION ON THE PARTICIPATION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF LEISURE TIME

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how university students spend their free time and, accordingly, to examine their perceptions about social activities they do in their free time. The present study is important since it tries to reveal the current status of social facilities in universities. The universe of the study consisted of students studying at a state university. The sample comprised of 318 (167 male, 151 female) students studying at various departments at the university and participating in different social activities offered by Directorate of Health, Culture and Sports. Leisure Meanings Inventory was used to collect the data. The data did not show normal distribution; therefore, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were utilized. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient was found .92. The results showed statistically significant differences in some variables such as gender, department, age and social activity branch. According to the results, it could be said that most of the students enjoyed participating in social activities. It was observed that undergraduate students participated in social and cultural activities more than graduate students. Students participating in the activities stated that they spend their free time efficiently. Providing more opportunities and facilities for students would be more useful to spend their leisure time efficiently and effectively.