Understanding the Impact of Housing Insecurity on a College Student's Sense of Belonging

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Contemporary Issues Related to Student Success (San Diego)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand how students navigate housing insecurity during their postsecondary experience. Emerging as a recent topic in scholarly discussion, how students address housing affordability and accessibility highlights an important discussion surrounding college opportunity. Qualitative interviews with 20 postsecondary alumni were conducted in a large public research institution. Housing challenges included living in overcrowded spaces, working significant hours, and reducing monthly expenses to ensure housing affordability. The impact of these experiences increased a student’s anxiety, negatively affecting their personal well-being and sense of belonging with their institution. Implications for policy, practice, and future research include reassessing financial aid packages, developing direct support offices on campus, and opportunities to examine housing insecurity from an identity-based lens.

Author

• Kathryn Hsieh, University of California - Irvine