Factors influencing university students' accommodation choices: risk perception, safety, and vulnerability

Abstract

Students'mobililty has grown considerably in the last decades and student housing has recently started to be studied more consistently, because of the high pressure on the private market. However, its implication for policy making and societal resilience remains a marginal topic in the scientific debate and further studies are needed to meet the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Students could be seen as a vulnerable category to be considered to understand and reduce disaster risk, and to develop tailored strategies for the mitigation of human losses. In this paper, we investigate which factors influence university students' decision to rent a room with a focus on risk perception and safety awareness. The research focuses on a case study in Ancona, Central Italy, where we surveyed 338 students of the University of Ancona, which shares similar characteristics with the 2009 precursor in L'Aquila. Our results highlight that safety is not the paramount factor influencing students' choice for an accommodation and that not all the students were able to define the risk level of the city they live in. On the contrary, students considered the rent as the most important factor influencing their choices, followed by the proximity of the accommodation to services. The discussion points out that decision makers must integrate vulnerability reduction strategies on student housing plans at three different level, especially education and awareness strategies. The conclusions suggest some priorities to be undertaken in policies, define limitations and open questions to be addressed in future researches.

Insights into Bruneian students’ transformative mobility experiences from their community outreach activities in Vietnam

“…With the growing volumes of student mobilities within the IHES framework, one pertinent ethical implication is the security and wellbeing of international students. Issues of vulnerability and needs, including international students’ emotional challenges, have been discussed thoroughly in previous studies (Brown and Jones, 2013; Magni et al, 2019; Poyrazli and Lopez, 2007). Forbes-Mewett (2016), in her analysis of the accounts of professionals in Australia who worked with full degree and short-term international students, highlights the significant rise in the number of students experiencing stress and emotional problems.…”

Disaster Risk Perception of University Students

“…Even though students' high education level, good health, and renter status make them more resilient to disasters, on the other hand, their lack of experience, financial and emotional dependence on their families can make them more vulnerable (Simms et al, 2013). The fact that students from other cities or countries are unaware of the city's institutions, risk and safety awareness, and social structure make them more vulnerable to disasters (Magni, Pescaroli, & Bartolucci, 2019). On the contrary, scientific studies have shown that students' disaster preparedness and mitigation situations are quite low (Lovekamp & Tate 2008;Tanner & Doberstein, 2015;Wu et al, 2017).…”

Apartment selection by college students

“…Apartments that are convenient to a person's daily destinations are leasing well (J Turner Research, 2016). One study found that college students choose housing based primarily on rental price (Magni et al, 2019).…”

“…Trending among apartment complexes is the development of common areas that are similar to resorts in terms of atmosphere and services provided. In addition to providing computers and coffee stations, there may be a concierge or classes on cooking (Magni et al, 2019). Outside common areas are prevalent with lounge seating, grills and cabanas.…”

“…While fitness centers have been widespread within apartment complexes for a long time, they are transitioning into a common place to socialize along with exercise. Apartment residents can take classes in various fitness activities from aerobics to yoga (Magni et al, 2019).…”