This study aims to provide guidance for nursing college students to enhance their overall happiness and to support the development of internal resources that contribute to improved physical and psychological health as they progress in their nursing careers.

A descriptive survey design was employed.

The study was conducted among nursing students enrolled at four nursing colleges in South Korea.

The final sample comprised 302 nursing students who met the following criteria: (1) enrolled in their third or fourth year of study, (2) engaged in club activities for more than 6 months within the previous year—considering the period during which face-to-face classes resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic— and (3) voluntarily consented to participate after receiving detailed information about the study.

The dependent variable was happiness. Candidate explanatory variables included college life adaptation, leisure satisfaction from club activities and family strengths. Data were collected between 5 and 30 June 2023, and analysed using SPSS/WIN V.22.0 software in accordance with the study objectives.

The multiple regression model was statistically significant (F=28.60, p

These variables collectively explained 42.0% of the variance in happiness. Future interventions aiming to enhance mental health and happiness among nursing students should consider these key influencing factors.