The Factors Predicting Students’ Satisfaction with University Hostels, Case Study, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Abstract

This study was administrated to undergraduate students living in the various hostels of Universiti Sains Malaysia. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the most important factors that predict undergraduate students' level of satisfaction with the student hostels they are living in. This paper also explored the difference in the satisfaction levels of students living in hostels within the campus and those living in hostels outside the campus. Based on literature review, it was hypothesized that there would be a difference in the satisfaction level between these two groups of hostel residents due to the different characteristics that these hostels have. Additionally, this study investigated the most preferred hostels among students and identified the reasons for the preference. A sample population of 288 students (220 females; and 68 males) was involved in this study with 48.3% living in hostels inside the campus and 51.7% living in hostels located outside the main campus area. The result of the study suggests that satisfaction with fees, distance from university facilities, room safety, room size, hostel security, and hostel facilities are the most important factors which predict undergraduate students' satisfaction with their hostel. There was also a significant difference in the satisfaction level between inside-campus and outside-campus hostels students. The most important factors that influenced that students satisfaction levels were distance from the university facilities, the exterior condition of the hostel, hostel population, satisfaction with transport, hostel security, room size, and room safety. The study also found that the most preferred hostel among the students was Cahaya Gemilang due to its strategic location, close distance to lecture halls and other main facilities in the campus and, good internet network connection.Keywords: Satisfaction, Hostels, Predicting factors, Undergraduate students IntroductionResiding in students' housing, faraway from family for a long period of time, is an enduring experience for young students. This new life style provides an opportunity to learn how to live independently, compromise with other students and roommates, share space and facilities and so forth. accommodation on the satisfaction level of university students has been a popular area of study and of compelling interest to universities. In relation to this, such studies indicates that good hostel condition and facilities in university campuses have a positive influence on the overall student enrollment (Bekurs, 2007).Although there are many studies that investigate factors influencing residents' satisfaction with their homes and neighborhood, there seems to be a lack of inquiry into students' satisfaction with their university housing (Amole 2009). In studies that place the critical lens on students' satisfaction levels of their university accommodation, the units of focus have been diverse such as on the influence of the physical attributes, and, psychological and management aspects. M...

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