A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Dormitory Experiences on the College Life

Abstract

Objectives This study examines the relationship between the formation of home experience in the dormitory and college life, based on qualitative interviews with college students about their living experiences in the dormitory. Methods Ten college students who currently live or have lived in college dormitories were recruited as research participants, and the data collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews were analyzed from May 8, 2023 to August 15, 2023. Results College students living in dormitories were found to view the dormitory as a public space for school rather than a private space for living and relaxing, and lacked ‘a sense of place/sense of IBASHO’. They reported that they were always aware of being watched and that this prevented them from relaxing fully. Residents tried to minimize the amount of time they spent in the dormitory, streamline their daily routines to avoid leaving their dorm rooms, or go home to relax when they were not in class, in an attempt to gain the time and space they felt they lacked. Instead, however, they failed to form an emotional connection to the dorm and viewed their time in the dorm as a time to endure. As a result, the students had difficulty adjusting to college life because they perceived their entire college experience as something to endure, and although they participated in the regular academic curriculum, they participated less in networking, socializing, and club activities. Conclusions Based on the findings, this study recommends viewing the residential experience as part of a college education and expanding programs that build a sense of place in dormitories.