Abstract:

Recent studies increasingly emphasize the role of teaching and learning environments in students’ academic performance and overall satisfaction with their studies. However, research examining the effect of environmental changes, such as relocating to a new campus, on students’ experiences is relatively scarce. This preliminary study sought to fill this gap by primarily assessing the student satisfaction with their new college environment, and secondly by exploring whether it differs from that of the old one. Additionally, differences in student satisfaction were observed depending on their demographic characteristics and academic engagement. The study involved 592 students of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Zagreb during the first semester after its relocation to a temporary campus due to the reconstruction of its earthquake-damaged buildings.

The findings revealed that students in general express dissatisfaction with the new campus and its facilities and a preference for those at the original FAMENA location. In addition to this, the results indicated that male, graduate-level students with higher GPAs and no experience of studying at faculty’s original location demonstrated a higher level of satisfaction with the temporary campus' facilities, as did students with shorter commutes who walked or cycled to campus. Finally, academic engagement was shown to influence student satisfaction with campus facilities, but the strength and direction of its impact varied.

Keywords:

Temporary college relocation, college environment, student satisfaction, academic engagement.