Abstract
For generations of students, participating in university included participating in university provided student residences. In England, the very idea of a university and university education has included a student residential life component (Spire, 2018; Temple, 2008). While Brothers and Hatch (1971) contended that no evidence student residences provided more (or less) academic support to students, the perennial question of what influence student residences have on student engagement, academic and personal outcomes have loomed large in literature and research. Even so, a dearth of literature and research on student residences has made it challenging to understand the forms, functions and stated purpose (in short, the relationship of student residences) to students, universities, and the wider communities they cooperate with and in.
This paper explores some of the existing literature and research on student residences in the United States and United Kingdom. Drawing from some of the geography and higher education literature, this paper argues the study of student residences continues to be spare. Where study exists, a number of key gaps persist in methodology, methods, synthesis and analysis. This paper argues addressing the importance of student residences for students, universities, towns and cities requires a commitment to the historical, present and future purpose of providing student residences.
Two cases of study (University College London in London, England) and Stanford University (California, United States) ground and illustrate key drivers, debates and tensions confronting students and universities. A discussion focusing on policy, planning and practice will highlight some key drivers, debates and tensions in the exigent literature and research and how this work may contribute to this key area of interest for universities, students, towns and cities and generate opportunities to develop these questions and research further conclude this paper.
Mots clés : Universities|Student residences|Engagement
A104033ZS