Student satisfaction with dormitory environments: development of criteria for the design of student housing

Abstract

In order to develop a criteria for the design of student housing, student satisfaction with their current dormitory environment and student preferences for various features, facilities, and living arrangements in dormitories were investigated.

The participants in the study were 180 female students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the spring quarter of 1973.

Total satisfaction scores were computed for the current dormitory environment. These scores were examined in relation to age, year in college, college of major, percentage of college expenses paid by student, length of residence in dormitory, family income, population of hometown, and type of housing prior to college. The desirability of off-campus housing was analyzed in relation to satisfaction score, age, year in college, and college of curriculum. Satisfaction with the current dormitory environment was also examined in relation to preference for various types of off-campus housing. Student preferences for various features in the dormitory were obtained, and whenever possible, were examined in relation to age, year in college, and college of curriculum. The design criteria was developed on the basis of student preferences as reported in this study.

A description of the experimental situation, procedure, instrument, and statistical analysis are included.