Examining Off-campus Students' Housing Preferences between Public and Private University Students

Abstract

The rising number of tertiary students in recent years, especially in public and private universities, is causing these institutions to have difficulties in providing adequate on-campus accommodation. Thus, students opt for off-campus living. However, in Malaysia, off-campus students are renting private rented units that do not suit their preferences. In some cases, students are living in multiple occupations just to save cost on rental and willing to forgo comfort and security. This situation may result in students having difficulties to perform in their academics. This research aims to examine off-campus student housing preferences associated with those who are studying in public or private universities. A survey was carried out in Selangor involving selected public and private universities. A total of 735 questionnaires were distributed among students in both public and private universities. Data gathered are analysed using Chi-square test. There are five aspects of housing preferences which were considered in this research, namely aspect of location, type of house and cost of rental, housing quality, housing accommodation and housing environment. Findings from this research are essential to serve as a benchmark to related parties, especially those in housing sector, e.g. local authority and developer to come out with student housing concept that is not only about accommodation, but also able to meet the preferences of off-campus students.