Examination of student housing preferences, their similarities and differences

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify the university student’s preferences for some important attributes of residence hall design. The study also attempts to highlight the differences and similarities in student’s preferences. Design/methodology/approach – The survey was distributed among students who were living in residence halls of a public university in Malaysia. A total of 752 students were recruited as participants. Data were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. Students were asked to indicate their preferences rating a 4-point scale. The survey included questions concerning students’ preferences for residing in traditional and suite-style residence halls, single room and double room as well as rooms in which each student’s area is marked clearly. Collected data were analysed using PASW Statistics 17. Findings – The results indicated that, in total, students highly preferred residing in suite-style to traditional residence halls. Staying in a single room with shared bathroom was also preferred to double-sharing room. The results of study also indicated that living in a room in which each student ' s area is marked clearly is of great interest. The study proved significant differences in the students’ preferences based on their gender, nationality and study level. Practical implications – The outcome of this study can enhance the awareness of residence hall organizers and architects with regard to some of students’ priorities. Originality/value – The results give an important insight into student’s preferences towards their residence hall. The study provides statistic evidence unfavourably of traditional residence halls among the students of new generation. It also provides an insight into students ' greater needs and requirements for privacy.

Problems of providing affordable high quality student housing in context of development of major Latvian universities

“…Table 2 discusses some of the best examples of student housing. Similar topics are addressed in scientific research by other authors [9][10][11][12][13].…”

Exploring the Antecedents of Iranian College Students’ Residential Satisfaction using Structural Equation Modeling

“…The majority of these studies conclude that suite‐style living arrangements are better than traditional‐style residence halls (Brandon, Hirt, & Cameron, 2008). According to Khozaei, Hassan, Al Kodmany, and Aarab (2014), in suite‐style housing options, satisfaction levels are evidently higher among those students who feel that their residence possesses strong social interactions or those students regularly participating in community activities.…”

Evaluation of the Dormitories in the Physical and Psychological Requirements: The Case of Karabük Province

“…On the other hand, Rodger and Johnson (2005) found that the sense of belonging among students living in suitestyle dormitories whose rooms include sleeping, socializing, cleaning, eating-drinking areas together was more than among the students living in the traditional dormitories with the corridor. Similarly, Khozaei et al (2014) emphasized that suitestyle rooms were commonly preferred and the presence of living/using areas that were determined clearly in the spaces was in demand. Kaya and Erkip (2001) concluded that the students felt that the room sizes were larger and less crowded on the upper floors compared to the lower floors.…”