Hospitality in University Residences: An Exploratory Study to Portugal

Abstract

This article has as main objective to identify and study the characteristics of university residences most valued by the students. The study is carried out in the university residences of an University, in Portugal, for a sample of 342 students being found statistically significant differences in preferences according to gender and the location of the residence outside or inside the university campus. Factor analysis reveals six determinants of student preference: the unique experience and living provided, interior and location amenities, academic performance, environmental awareness, safety, and social relationships. Fundamentally, it is observed that students prefer a residence near to the university and academic spaces and also close to the local markets.