Investigating the Housing Challenges of Graduate Students and Exploring the Potential of On-Campus Infill Mocro-Housing

Abstract

University students housing challenges have attracted global research attention over the past few decades as they are becoming a concern worldwide. In the United States, the situation is particularly unique, as the federal government does not offer specific housing programmes for students, unlike many other countries that provide targeted support in this area. This research explores the housing issues and homelessness among graduate and professional students at what is currently the largest university in the United States. In addition, this research introduces a novel on-campus infill micro-housing solution, and surveys and documents students responses to both their housing challenges and their perception of the architectural designs proposed. To gather insights, an online survey was developed and administered. Approximately 1,500 respondents completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 11 per cent. Findings from the data analysed indicated that 35 per cent of the respondents have experienced housing insecurity, whereas 13 per cent of the respondents have experienced homelessness. Forty-four per cent of the respondents expressed a willingness to live in the infill micro-housing solutions proposed. This article thus attempts to understand housing challenges faced by a relatively under-researched demographic and offers an innovative solution to the growing problem.