Student preferences for accommodation at a Cape Town University: an application of the stated preference approach

Abstract

This thesis sought to investigate students’ preferences regarding university accommodation. The object was to identify the aspects and elements of housing that students deemed most desirable. The research also aimed to ascertain which socio-demographic variables might serve as predictors of preference in student housing. The thesis focused on student housing at a university in Cape Town, South Africa. The researcher adopted a stated preference approach, applying direct measurement and conjoint analysis methods to answer the research questions. The study commenced with qualitative exploratory research, including a literature review and focus group interviews with students. This was followed by collection of cross-sectional quantitative data using person-administered, structured questionnaires distributed among students at the university. SPSS software was used to analyse a total of 457 completed questionnaires. The direct measurement results indicated that most students prioritised convenience, safety, cost and privacy when it came to choosing accommodation. The three most important attributes as ranked by respondents were having unlimited free WiFi, the inclusion of a 24-hour computer lab in the building, and 24-hour on-site security. In addition, respondents favoured the presence of a convenience shop/kiosk in the residence, followed by sharing showers with students of their own gender, and being within walking distance of campus. Preferences for some but not all the dimensions of accommodation appeared to be influenced by gender, age group and study level. When indicating their willingness to pay (WTP) for a variety of elements relating to accommodation, it emerged that the question of sharing the space in their room – their living and learning space – was very important to the students. The results showed that, apart from having unlimited WiFi and 24-hour on-site security, the aspects for which respondents were prepared to pay most concerned the private space of the individual, e.g. room privacy and room size, as well as having their own toilet and shower. WTP attributes also varied among students according to age group, gender and level of study. Results from the stated preference (conjoint) experiment analysis showed that students were most sensitive about the sharing of ablutions and number of roommates, strongly preferring private rooms and facilities, or sharing with fewer other students. Monthly rent is next most influential, followed by distance from campus. The model also showed significant differences in the preferences of students based on their gender. Research in this field is overdue because, owing to recent increases in the tertiary student population in South Africa, there is a growing shortage of student accommodation. Current and future student housing needs must be assessed, and any such assessment requires a thorough grasp of current student accommodation preferences. The results of this research thus contribute to the knowledge and understanding available to managers and developers of student accommodation regarding students’ requirements and preferences. The findings can serve as a set of guidelines for developers of student housing and as a foundation for formulating associated marketing strategies. Despite the existence of extensive research on student housing, few studies have focused on the preferences of students in developing countries, and even fewer in South Africa. This research seeks to fill this gap by increasing awareness and understanding of students’ preferences with regard to university accommodation.