Development of Social Groups among University Hostel Students

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the development of social groups among hostel students at the university level in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study was mainly concerned with the groups formed by students while residing in the university hostel. Participant observation and interviewing techniques were used to collect the data. The present study focused on how groups are formed among the hostel students, to what extent they support each other, establish social settings, and how they feel while living in such groups. The analysed data reports that the students have different perceptions based on their experiences, which in turn affect their behavioural patterns. A permanent friendship develops between these students due to their similar geographical belongingness and sharing the same academic interests. The findings will support universities in developing relevant policies to minimize untoward incidences in the hostel.