Educationally resilient college students and their experiences with housing insecurity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Addressing housing affordability for students highlights an important discussion surrounding college opportunities. Qualitative interviews explored how students navigated their housing challenges through a resiliency framework. Challenges uncovered included living in overcrowded spaces, working significant hours, and reducing monthly expenses such as groceries to ensure housing affordability. The impact of these strategies increased students’ anxiety, negatively affecting their personal well-being and at times their academics. Themes of self-efficacy and supportive relationships were important motivators to persist toward college completion despite housing challenges and barriers. Each participant was determined to overcome the stigma associated with their housing challenges to increase the social mobility of their family and counter stereotypes associated with being a low-income, minority, or first-generation college student. However, due to the negative perceptions associated with housing insecurity, participants would not disclose the extent of their housing challenges to campus stakeholders. Isolation from these experiences decreased a student’s sense of belonging and established a belief that the institution could not provide support to address their housing challenges. Despite housing challenges, participants demonstrated strong resolve to persevere toward college completion, laying the framework for practitioner best practices.