The purpose of this study was to map the psychological and social conditions and the quality-of-life of young students living in halls of residence at the Universidade de Brasília. Eighty-seven students with an average age of twenty-two volunteered to take part in the research. Self-applied questionnaires were used dealing with issues relating to their socio-demographic situation, life events, consumption of drugs or alcohol and suicidal behavior. These students, who had just begun their courses and were dependent on money allocated by the university, and came from other states, presented prodromal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and difficulties in accepting/seeking help. Problem behavior presented as a solution to issues related to adaptation to the new environment. The university's assistance programs are unable to meet the complex demand. The current programs could be enhanced, and other services created, in order to guarantee improvement in the quality of life of students through the end of their courses.
Young adult; College students; Mental suffering; Residence halls
