Medical students often experience high levels of stress, particularly during exam and results season. Recognizing this challenge, the Learning Innovation Team from the Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE) partnered with the Student Support Office to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) Mindfulness, providing guided meditation sessions through VR. The project uses TRIPP, a platform designed to improve focus, calmness, and sleep quality through immersive mindfulness experiences.
Exploring Virtual Reality for student well-being
“When we started working with VR, we saw huge potential to use this technology to support students' well-being,” explains Gian Paulo . “There is a growing body of research in this area, and reading these studies really inspired us.”
Beyond the academic research, Gian Paulo also saw the personal benefits of VR mindfulness. “As someone who enjoys mindfulness but struggled with it at first, I was surprised by how TRIPP made it so easy and enjoyable—especially for students who may feel unsure about traditional meditation.”
The team recognized that many students find it difficult to disconnect from academic stress. By offering an interactive and immersive mindfulness experience, they aimed to create a more engaging way to manage stress.
Student reactions and key lessons
Early feedback suggests that students appreciate the immersive nature of the experience, which allows them to disconnect from external pressures and focus on their mental well-being. However, the response has been mixed, offering valuable insights for further refinement.
“Students seem to enjoy it, and they have reported a positive impact on their well-being,” Gian Paulo shares. “Many have mentioned how easy it is to get immersed in the experience.”
However, some students have found the VR headset uncomfortable, particularly those who wear glasses. Others didn’t engage as much as expected, finding the experience less effective for their personal preferences.
“This opens the door to further exploration,” says Gian Paulo. “We need to consider accessibility and personal comfort, ensuring that interventions like this are as inclusive as possible.”
Next steps and future plans
With the project still in its early stages, ongoing research is crucial to shaping its future. The team is collaborating with the Student Support Office in London and Malta, as well as the Faculty Student Experience Manager at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, to assess its impact.
“The results of our research will be key in shaping the next steps,” says Gian Paulo. “Feedback from students, along with insights from colleagues in the Student Support Office, will help us refine and sustainably enhance this initiative.”
Looking ahead, the team is also exploring how this technology might support staff well-being. “We would love to encourage staff members to try it as well,” Gian Paulo adds. “If it can help students manage stress, there’s no reason it wouldn’t be beneficial for staff too.”
Beyond VR: Assessment Design for Student Support
While VR mindfulness is proving to be a valuable tool for well-being, it is just one part of a broader effort to create supportive learning environments and educators can do much more. Find out how thoughtful assessment strategies can enhance student well-being, explore our article on Assessment strategies for student well-being.