Abstract:

The students’ socio-economic backgrounds, understood in terms of their parents’ level of education, have a significant impact in shaping their perceptions and experiences within student residences as well as influencing their reasons for choosing to reside in such accommodations.

This article aims to delve into the impact of students’ backgrounds, particularly gauged by their parents’ level of education and their interactions with state-sponsored student residences, specifically focusing on their assessments and utilization of study facilities.

Data for this study was gathered through an online survey targeting students who had relocated from their primary residence for educational purposes. A total of 1,021 respondents participated, of whom approximately 79% currently reside in student accommodations and around 4% have had previous experience with such arrangements.

A multivariate analysis of the surveyed students’ characteristics revealed three distinct profiles. The first profile comprises predominantly younger, female Portugues students (up to 21 years old) from suburban areas of large and medium-sized cities, whose parents have completed secondary education. The second profile consists of male students from urban areas whose parents both hold higher education degrees. The third profile encompasses older students (aged 22 to 23) from rural backgrounds whose parents have completed only primary education.

The analysis uncovered significant disparities in student’s experiences and perceptions based on their parents' educational backgrounds. Variations were evident in aspects such as searching for housing, payment terms and challenges, safety perceptions, comfort conditions and communal living experiences within the shared residential spaces.

Keywords:

Higher Education, Displaced Students, Accommodations, Socio-economic Background.