Thanks to their adaptability, individuals can create ways to meet their needs even when conditions change and continue their harmonious relationship with the environment. In this context, the adaptation process encompasses all the efforts individuals make to survive in their physical and social environment. From this perspective, the transition from high school to university, a significant change in the lives of many young adults, highlights the importance of students’ adaptability in completing this process healthily. Moreover, the literature identifies the first year of university as a critical period for students, defined as a challenging phase of transitioning from a familiar environment to a new academic and social setting. In this framework, the process in which students attempt to familiarize themselves with the university environment, understand their academic, personal, social, and professional expectations, and solve potential problems is addressed today within the concept of adaptation to university life.

The aim of this study is to statistically evaluate the adaptation levels of first-year students at different faculties of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa during the 2024-2025 academic year in terms of demographic and general characteristics. A total of 380 first-year students participated in the study. The Academic Adjustment Scale (AAS), developed by Anderson et al. (2016), was used as the measurement tool. The AAS consists of 9 items and 3 sub-dimensions: academic lifestyle, academic achievement, and academic motivation. As the results of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests indicated p>0.05, normal distribution was achieved. An independent samples t-test was used for comparisons between two groups, and a one-way ANOVA test was used for comparisons among more than two groups. According to the analysis results, female students, engineering faculty students, students with high perceived income levels, students living with their families, and students with two siblings demonstrated significantly higher university adaptation levels.

A multifaceted approach is essential to enhance university students’ adaptation levels. Firstly, orientation programs should be organized to help students become familiar with both the campus environment and academic requirements. Effective use of academic advising services can support students in various areas, such as course selection and career planning. Encouraging social events and student clubs can help students socialize and feel part of a community. Additionally, psychological counseling and guidance services should be provided to assist students in managing emotional challenges such as stress and anxiety. University administrations can facilitate the adaptation process by regularly assessing students' academic and social needs and implementing improvements based on feedback.

Keywords: Adaptation University Life, Life Satisfaction, University Students, Statistical Analysis.