Abstract:
The provision of education and training to all Kenyans is fundamental to the success of Government’s overall development strategy. A successfiil adjustment of students to university environment enables them to complete their studies on time. However, there are indications that students’ failure to adjust to the university environment is still a persistent problem facing education in Kenya manifested in form of an alarming rate of student drop-outs, course deferment, delay in graduation, drug and substance abuse among the students at Egerton University, The study was designed to investigate the influence of interpersonal relationship skills and attitude on students’ social and academic adjustment in Egerton University, Njoro Campus. The study employed ex post fact0's Causal-comparative research design. A random sample size of 357 students and purposive sample of 40 Student peer counsellors, 2 Student counsellors and the Dean of Students was selected. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedule. Piloting of the instrument was done to ascertain validity. The reliability of the instrument was established by using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha method and a reliability coefficient of0.75 was obtained. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze data using SPSS. The findings of the study indicated that inter-personal relationships and the attitude of students towards university environment and academics were critical factors influencing social and academic adjustment of undergraduate students at the university. lt was recommended that there is need for the university to encourage social activities that can facilitate effective interpersonal relationships among students and the positive attitude towards university environment. There is need for the university to increase the level of publicity of guidance and counselling programme and its services in the universities so as to assist students in coping and adjusting to university life.
