On-campus apartments and facilities have historically been focused towards graduate students or students with families. But, in recent years, apartments have become an increasingly attractive option for any student seeking to remain on campus but live a more independent lifestyle.
However, one of the challenges with on-campus apartments has consistently been getting these residents engaged and connected, in particular through participation in programs and activities. While student engagement is widely noted to be related to key student outcomes, fewer apartment residents typically participate in activities at their apartment complex.
This research note details the results of a national study on participation in programs and activities in on-campus apartments. Data from this study were collected from the ACUHO-I/Benchworks Apartment Assessment of over 13,000 on-campus apartment residents from 45 colleges and universities in the United States. Specifically, this study explored rates of participation, differences in participation across various student populations, and the relationship between participation and other aspects of the student experience, including learning and satisfaction.
Key Questions About On-Campus Apartments:
- How many on-campus apartment residents participate in programs and activities?
- Who participates in programs and activities in on-campus apartments?
- How does participation in programs and activities relate to perceptions of learning?
- How does participation in programs and activities relate to the overall apartment experience?
Key Points:
- Few apartment residents report participating in apartment programs and activities often or very often.
- Residents who are international students, first-year students, or students with post-traditional traits—including adult students and students with dependents—were more likely to participate in apartment activities.
- Apartment residents who participate in activities are more likely to attribute learning related to personal interactions and life skills to their apartment experience.
- Apartment residents with higher ratings of personal interactions and life skills are more likely to report high overall satisfaction with their apartment experience.
Interested in learning more about the assessments that provide data for our research studies? Check out our Student Affairs Assessments, which cover housing, activities, special populations, student services, and more.
