Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to happiness in first year women nursing students. Methods: The sample consisted of 209 first year women nursing students in three colleges located in S and C cities. Data were collected during October and November 2011. The major variables for this study were depression, self-esteem, optimism, interpersonal relation, and happiness. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and multiple stepwise regression with SPSS Win 17.0. Results: There were significant differences in student happiness according to economic status, satisfaction with major, satisfaction with the present college, and health status. Happiness was significantly correlated with depression, self-esteem, optimism, and interpersonal relations. Self-esteem, optimism, interpersonal relations, and satisfaction with major were significant predictors of happiness for first year women nursing students and these four factors accounted for 71% of the variance in happiness. Conclusion: Self-esteem, optimism, interpersonal relations, and satisfaction with major should be considered when addressing ways to increase happiness in first year women nursing students.