Students’ Feedback on Boarding House Services and Its Policy Implications
Rickyziah D. Tid-ong | Zhiena Gene A. Cajalne | Chadelyn L. Gawongna | Darlyn W. Buyagawon | Ramil M. Ballatong | Marriane Grace M. Campollo | Gemmalyn P. Balog | Glenn Paulo K. Labasan
Discipline: social policy
Abstract:
This study examined students' satisfaction levels living in
boarding houses in a state university in Ifugao, Philippines, to determine
whether current student housing conditions meet basic and environmental
needs. Using a descriptive-correlational quantitative design, data were
collected from 299 student boarders across four sitios via a structured
questionnaire adapted from prior research. Guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy
of Needs and Ecological Psychology, the study explored how
socioeconomic and environmental factors influence student satisfaction.
Results show that students are moderately satisfied with safety, cleanliness,
and the proximity of the boarding houses to the campus. However, they
express dissatisfaction with limited internet access, a lack of social activities,
and poor fire safety measures. Students living in boarding houses with fire
safety features—such as fire exits and fire extinguishers—report higher
satisfaction than those without such features. Demographic factors,
including age, sex, ethnicity, and income, do not significantly affect
satisfaction levels. A limitation of the study is that it was conducted only
among student boarders in Barangay Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao, which may
limit the generalizability of the findings to other universities and
geographic settings. Future studies may include multiple institutions and
employ mixed-method or longitudinal approaches to gain a deeper
understanding of student housing experiences and satisfaction over time.
The study concludes that improving housing facilities, especially in fire
safety and connectivity, and strengthening collaboration among the
university, local government, and boarding house owners are essential for
supporting student welfare and creating better living environments.
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