Abstract
When universities across the world emerged, the majority of students were provided with oncampus accommodation. However, with the increase in the number of universities, students seeking to enter universities and the decline in university funding, the result was an increase in the number of students residing off-campus. This lead to more limited social-contact opportunities with other students, which are vital for the enhancement of their learning and development. It also resulted in off-campus students spending a considerable amount of time travelling to and from university. This study aimed to investigate the travel patterns, characteristics and challenges faced by University of Johannesburg off-campus students by ascertaining inter alia: the means of transport used; travel time; the views of students in regard to the challenges they face; and possible improvements thereto. A quantitative approach was predominantly used to collect data from students by means of a questionnaire and this was supplemented with focus group discussions on two campuses. The study results revealed that off-campus students experience considerable challenges accessing campuses.
Highlights
When universities across the world emerged, the majority of students were provided with oncampus accommodation
This study aimed to investigate the travel characteristics, patterns and challenges faced by off-campus students at the University of Johannesburg
At Soweto Campus (SWC), 57% of students originated from the Soweto residential area
Summary
When universities across the world emerged, the majority of students were provided with oncampus accommodation. As the university student population has increased, there has been a concomitant decrease in higher education funding, which in turn has affected investment in university infrastructure; including student accommodation. The two main sources from which universities can obtain funds are Government and student fees. These two sources cannot provide adequate funds to sustain academic institutions. The other avenues that have been considered include investments, donations and entrepreneurial activities. The proportion of income that has been sought through these avenues for all the 23 universities in South Africa decreased from 33% in 2008 to 31% in 2010 (Higher Education in Context 2011)
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