Preferences in university residences: a confirmatory study

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to identify and confirm the characteristics of university residences most valued by the students. The study was carried out in the university residences of a Portuguese public university, for a sample of 342 students. Confirmatory factorial analysis reveals five determining factors in student preferences: the unique experience and experience provided, the interior and location amenities, academic performance, environmental awareness and safety. Fundamentally, it is observed that students prefer residences in the vicinities of the department where they study and other academic spaces and also close to the local markets.