There is this little secret college-bound and first-year college students outwardly deny: They are scared sick about going off to college. In the authors' interviews with 175 college students throughout the United States for "Survival Secrets of College Students" (Barron's, 2007) students talked--sometimes painfully--about what they wished they…

This study examined the quality and the factors which contributed positively and negatively to the quality of some selected students residential facilities in Nigeria. A user-perspective approach was adopted. The quality of the selected facilities was examined at three levels of environmental interaction and from architectural and social…

Administered the Residence Hall Environment Questionnaire to 9,595 dormitory residents to measure student perceptions and provide feedback to housing staff members. Results indicated most students characterized their residence hall as a supportive, active, and educational environment and were very satisfied with living conditions. (JAC)

At Eastern Washington State College, students appreciate a quiet, private, and secure dormitory. (PG)

The University of Delaware spent years refining its residence-life education program. One week of public criticism unraveled it. Late last month, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a free-speech group, accused the university of promoting specific views on race, sexuality, and morality in a series of discussions held in dormitories.…

Perceptions of student satisfaction living in special Fresh Start residence halls were collected (N = 1,160, 40% female, 11% minority, 72% freshmen). Satisfaction was influenced by out-of-state residency, satisfaction with two residence staff positions, and Fresh Start policies, as well as house comfort interaction factors and living in a suite or…

The purpose of this study was to find out which environmental characteristics influence student satisfaction and which can be altered or affected by architectural design. A questionnaire was designed which measured overall student satisfaction, as well as satisfaction with 25 specific environmental variables. The object was to evaluate the need…

Assessed perceptions among five groups of college students of a new residence life judicial system. Results indicated that the overall student perception of the residence life judicial system was positive. Post hoc comparisons among groups are discussed. (BL)

This study examined personalization of college dormitory rooms. Results of the study indicated that most people decorated early in the quarter, decorating increased over time, and students differentially personalized their rooms. (RH)

College freshmen (N=428) completed University Residence Environment Scales. Subjects perceived residence hall environment as reasonably harmonious with their views of ideal. Relationship between student-environment fit and sense of competence suggests that higher sense of competence was associated with perceptions that residence life should…

A student's attitude toward the educational institution he attends may have an effect on his academic achievement there. Much of that attitude is developed in dormitories. This study attempted to investigate the effects of providing black students with a resident hall floor which would have a higher concentration of black students than was normal…

As a result of a survey to discover the rationale for student preference for off-campus living the following factors were indicated most often as reasons given for moving from the residence hall: (1) better study conditions; (2) expense; (3) freedom from control; and (4) new experiences. (JC)

The most highly dissatisfied roommate pairs and the least dissatisfied roommate pairs were compared on academic grade achievement and the College and University Environment Scales. Three statistically significant results occurred, indicating roommate relationship might have possible effects on scholastic achievement and perception of the campus…

Examined physical and social factors that may contribute to occupancy of graduate residence halls. Surveyed 85 residents of three graduate residence halls. Data suggest that convenience to class/campus and a private room are primary factors influencing student occupancy. Other contributing, but less important, factors included safety, academic…

Reports on a study of the Colorado State University residence hall population which has assisted in the development of a residence hall system that continues to be successful both financially and educationally. (Author/PG)