When I first commenced my applications for university in 2018, the question of accommodation was one of the first to be raised. Whether I went to university in Sydney or outside, depended on the types of accommodation that would be suited to me. These options were living with my parents, in college or in a share house in Wollongong. I understand that many students may only have one option, however, I have always been curious about how these living arrangements impact a student’s general wellbeing, physical and mental health, development, study and university results. I want to know why people made the choice they did and how they rate the above categories in relation to their living arrangements/previous living arrangements.
Stretching #mycuriousity even further, I wonder whether if the results would impact the choice students make when they decide on the accommodation they choose. I know that if I found out that my physical and mental health increased increased when I lived on college I would be even further inclined to live there or perhaps if my study was better living at home, I would be more inclined to commute.
The reasons for potentially researching this topic are threefold. It is timely, relevant and hopefully, achievable.
#TIMELY
Firstly, I believe it is TIMELY, particularly for UOW. Every student that decides to come to UOW has to decide where they are going to live. By researching this area, it might afford students the opportunity to pick based on what they want to get out of university. Furthermore, some students are fortunate to have the choice, or if not, may be curious as to how being a student living in another circumstance impacts different aspects of their life and how this differs what they get out of their university experience.
#RELEVANT
Secondly, I think this research is RELEVANT, particularly UOW. The majority of students want to excel in university, in all areas. In my own experience, I could have lived in Sydney with my parents and commuted, however my parents encouraged me to have a ‘college experience’. I went to Weerona college and I did wonder at the time whether I would have done better in different areas if I hadn’t gone to college.
The second year though, pretty much everyone moved out of college (this includes other colleges such as Campus East and Koolabong) and into share houses, as did I. I wondered at why UOW colleges weren’t like Newcastle or CSU. Both my sisters went to each of these universities and stayed on college for the duration of their three-year degrees. Why was it that UOW students didn’t live on campus longer? The price had almost dropped by $100 per week so cost wasn’t necessarily the issue for many. Was it for their mental and physical health? Study and uni results? General wellbeing? Or was it simply because everyone else moved off? These are questions where I think it would be beneficial and interesting for students to know when making these decisions.
Furthermore, whilst researching my topic, I found a few resources, which demonstrate there is an issue here to be explored further:
In an article produced by the UK independent discussed the impacts on a student staying at home and having to commute for classes. The article discussed the cost benefits of doing such, however, it also discussed the detriments this had on study, commute time and maintaining friendships outside of the classroom. This article was helpful when researching my topic, as it made me realise the elements that may come into this area of research.
In an ABC article, the authors suggested the benefits of forming friendships in university and how this can best be done both in college and if you live at home. Maybe it is just a matter of diving in head first to make friends? Or is it truly easier if you are in college? This article was useful as it provided insight into how this aspect can reduce a range of mental and physical conditions.
This Conversation article and the La Trobe study was extremely interesting to me. According to a study done by the university 18% of students who attended college received an ‘A’ and 21% more B’s. I honestly have only ever thought of the social benefits of college rather than the benefits to study. This will be really valuable information when drawing up questions as I will be able to see if this is reflected in Australian society, furthermore, how the students at college find college life impacts their study. The only negative of this article as it was from 2011 so quite some time ago, things may have changed. However, I may be able to compare my results
Another Conversation article used anecdotal stories to illustrate the differences of living at home and going to college. In particular, it discussed the benefits of a ‘viable campus atmosphere and spirit’ and the importance of everything that comes with attending university – the social, the physical, the mental aspects, which improve general wellbeing. It also touched on the actual university being the reason for this rather than, perhaps what I am suggesting, which is where you live.
This final Conversation article discussed the impact of technology on where students are living during their degree. Particularly in the UK, around 15% of students were long distance learners. This wasn’t even something I had really considered. Furthermore, the article discussed how students are spending less time on campus, tending to live with parents rather than on campus, indicating they are less engaged with other students. This was particularly relevant to my study as it paralleled what I am wanting to research.
All of these articles were very credible and useful to begin my research. Particularly using the Conversation as a resource show to us in class, and finding plenty on my desired topic was useful!
#ACHIEVABLE
Lastly, I believe this research will be ACHIEVABLE. Much of the BCM212 cohort will currently be living or have lived in one or more of these three living arrangements. This will be a good section of students to survey and find out answers to these questions. I think perhaps the majority of students will be commuting as I have noticed many students do, however, I can always see if I can extend outside of the cohort if this issue arises.
I did ask on my twitter feed using the #BCM212 as show below:
Although there wasn’t much interaction with the post, I did discuss it with other BCM students for which many of them found it to be an interesting topic.
Overall, I believe #mycuriosity is a topic that I am interested in for personal and broader reasons making it timely, relevant and achievable as a research project. The project is something that I have always been curious about. More importantly, it could benefit future students when choosing living arrangements for university in the future, depending on what they want to get out of it!
Eadie Melloy 