Student accommodation and academic engagement of undergraduate students at Ndejje university, central Uganda

Abstract

The research investigated the relationship between student accommodation and academic engagement of undergraduate students at Ndejje University in Central Uganda. The objectives of the study were to; establish the relationship between the proximity of student accommodation and students’ academic engagement, to find out the relationship between the student accommodation facilities and students’ academic engagement, and to examine the relationship between the quality of student accommodation utilities and students’ academic engagement. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The participants comprised of 120 undergraduate students of Ndejje University which gave a response rate of 60%. The data was collected on the study variables using self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using quantitative methods using relative frequencies and descriptive statistics especially by means. Pearson linear correlation coefficient was used to relate elements of student accommodation and academic engagement of undergraduate students. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship of each element under student accommodation namely; proximity of student accommodation, student accommodation facilities and the quality of student accommodation utilities with student academic engagement. The findings revealed that the three student accommodation aspects namely; proximity of student accommodation, student accommodation facilities and quality of student accommodation utilities had a positive significant relationship with student academic engagement. This meant that all the three null hypotheses were rejected. Based on these findings, the study therefore established that students residing near the university can attend lectures punctually and consistently due to reduced travel stress, enhancing punctuality, preparedness, and social integration, while also benefiting from easy access to recreational facilities. Student residences’ aesthetic quality enhances their perception of their living environment, boosting motivation and engagement, and promotes a balanced, productive study environment. While reliable safe water supply improves cleanliness, reduces instances waterborne diseases, and fosters a healthy living environment for undergraduate students, enabling them to concentrate on their studies. The study recommends that University administrators and private entrepreneurs should collaborate and provide affordable, modern accommodation to ensure student academic engagement and The Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council for Higher Education should establish and enforce minimum standards for university accommodation in Uganda.