How Accommodation Type Affects Student Social Life and Wellbeing

College life is that phase in every student’s life which they step out to discover beyond the comfort of their homes. But what students don’t realize is that the environment or the place they live in quietly shapes who they become later in life. Choosing the right place can either make or break your college living experience. Student accommodation isn’t just about finding a place to stay, rent or food quality, it’s about a student’s emotional well-being, social life, academics and how it will influence their entire personality.

In this blog, we will discuss how accommodation affects student social life and how they play such a crucial role in shaping a learning environment for students.

Types of Students Accommodation

University Hostel

University hostels are one of the feasible options for the students as they are located within the University campus. There are various benefits for the students living on campus which allows easy access for the classes, library, mess and other institutional amenities. This saves a lot of commuting time for the students even if they don’t live very far from university campus, it increases their participation in extracurricular activities and they can focus more on their academics.

Impact on Student social life and Well-being

Hostel life is one of the first experiences for the students to build connections apart from school and college. Living with people coming from different backgrounds and sharing a common space helps in shaping student’s social life by interacting and building connections. From sharing rooms to mid night study sessions before exams- these create a bond that reduces homesickness amongst students and creates a supporting environment. But not everyone is comfortable with the hostel setting. Sharing spaces- means compromising your private space, constant noise especially for the introverts who find it hard to socialise with people and value their personal space. It’s not always fun as it sounds as hostel life demands patience and adjustments.

Paying Guest Accommodation (PG)

PG accommodations are considered a practical option for students who want a balance between hostel life and complete independence. PGs are usually located near universities providing convenient access to the university campus. PG spaces are often shared among fewer individuals which creates a quieter and manageable space.  This helps in saving commuting time, focus more on their academics and extra- curricular and maintain a routine. PGs generally have basic amenities like meals, housekeeping and other important facilities.

Impact on Student social life and Well-being

PGs offer moderate social interaction, with a limited no. of roommates creating a smaller social circle. The quiet environment of the PG helps students focus more on academics and maintains emotional stability. However, unlike hostels, PGs do not provide communities and connections, students new to the city may feel lonely sometimes, as PG space is more isolated. PG living pushes students to take responsibility and create a routine, though they have to make efforts to create a social circle.

Shared Apartments

Shared apartments are a suitable option for the students who prefer privacy and independence. Apartments can be usually located near university areas but outside campus boundaries, apartments give students the freedom to manage their own routine. Commuting time may vary depending on the location. Living in an apartment may help students become self- sufficient by managing daily responsibilities like rent, cooking utilities.

Impact on Student Social Life and Well-being

Living in a shared apartment shapes student social life differently from hostels, as the social circle is limited. Though, sharing responsibilities with the roommates can strengthen bonds, while personal space helps maintain emotional balance and academic focus. However, since apartments do not naturally create a sense of community, social interaction depends upon personal effort and without involvement in campus activities, students can feel isolated.

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Key Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Accommodation

Students consider multiple factors before deciding the perfect accommodation which will be their home for the university life. Given below is some of the key factors which should be included while hunting for a stay:-

Budget

The foremost component while choosing a place is deciding a budget for it. Students or their parents compare rent, food expenses, security deposits and additional charges before choosing the right stay.

Proximity to Campus

Students will prefer a place which is closer to their University campus, which eventually will save their commuting time, transportation cost and will allow students to focus on their academics and increased participation in extra-curricular activities.

Privacy Requirements

It depends upon student to student, whether they’ll choose a stay with maximum social interaction or the one where they don’t have to interact much. Apartments are a better option for the latter one as they guarantee privacy compared to a PG or a hostel.

Facilities and Amenities

Amenities provided can be the deciding factor for the students to make a choice for their stay. Basic facilities like- availability of meals, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, laundry services, and study area impacts the choice significantly.

Safety and Security

Parents sending their children to different cities for studies will not compromise on one thing which is their safety. Accommodations which provide better security systems like- gated premises, CCTV surveillance, wardens and security staff influence the final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Does living in a PG affect a student’s social life?

Yes, they do, but in a different way. PG spaces provide smaller social circles than hostels. Students may need to work harder to participate in school events if they want to make lifelong friendships.

Q2. What factors to consider when choosing university accommodation?

A number of factors to consider while choosing University accommodation are:- location, price, amenities, social atmosphere and individual preferences.

Q3. What are the advantages of living in student housing close to campus?

There are various advantages of living in the accommodation close to the university campus. You can meet new people, get used to university life and take advantage of the convenience of being close to your classes and facilities by living on campus.

Q4. Which accommodation is best for improving student social life?

University hostels usually provide the highest level of social interaction because students live within campus and interact daily. However, the “best” option depends on personality. Extroverts may prefer hostels, while others may feel more comfortable in PGs or apartments.