University student practices and perceptions on eating behaviours whilst living away from home

•Transition to university is a vulnerable time and associated with adverse health behaviors.•Four main themes were identified as being barriers to eating a ‘less healthy diet namely: Physical Environment, University lifestyle, Self-confidence personal factors.•Healthier food choices are likely to be more of a priority at higher levels of Maslows hierarchy. Transition to university is a vulnerable time and associated with adverse health behaviors. Purchasing and consuming healthy food is generally not a high priority due to other challenges they face. This study explored the dietary practices and perceptions which influenced eating behaviors of university students when living away from home. Forty-two university students (n 27 male) participated in 8 focus groups which identified four themes as being barriers to eating a healthier diet, namely Physical Environment, University lifestyle, self-confidence, and personal factors. Food choice is a complex behavior and these findings when applied to Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that basic physiological needs for food is prioritized and only when this is satisfied is making healthier food choices considered.