| Title |
An Empirical Analysis of Housing and Living Conditions among University Students in Regional Areas |
| Authors |
양희진(Yang, Hee-Jin) ; 김예준(Kim, Ye-Jun) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.4.77 |
| Keywords |
University students; Housing vulnerability; Dormitory; Off-campus living; Local vitality; Youth housing policy |
| Abstract |
University students are at a life stage marked by increasing independence from parental households, yet limited and unstable income makes
them one of the most housing-vulnerable groups among young adults. This study uses nationwide data from the Youth Life Survey to
examine housing and living conditions of university students and to analyze differences by region and housing type, comparing dormitory
residents with those living off campus. The results show that off-campus students report relatively high satisfaction with public transportation
access but lower satisfaction with overall residential environment factors, including safety, availability of green spaces, and relationships with
neighbors. Notably, off-campus students participate more frequently in leisure activities and dining out than dormitory residents, suggesting a
stronger potential to contribute to local engagement and vitality in regional areas. These findings indicate that student housing policy should
extend beyond ensuring basic residential stability and align with broader goals for sustainable local community development. With more
systematic data on student housing conditions, youth housing policy for university students can move beyond welfare-oriented intervention and
serve as a strategic tool for sustainable urban development in regional cities. |