New Publication in International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (Q1, Scopus): A Holistic Model for Student-Centered Housing
By applying this holistic framework, universities, policymakers, and housing providers can gain clearer insights into the status of their facilities and strategies for improvement. The findings emphasize that student housing is not merely a matter of infrastructure but also a catalyst for inclusion, equity, and sustainable urban development.
The Project-Based Learning Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education (RepLab) is proud to announce the publication of a new research article by Magdalena Gaete-Sepúlveda (corresponding author) and Anastasia Murach in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (Q1, Scopus, Web of Science), published by Emerald Publishing.
📖 Full article: A Holistic Model for Student-Centered On and Off-Campus Housing – A Cross-Country Evaluation
The study examines 167 student accommodation facilities across 13 cities in eight European regions, using a framework inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The authors propose an innovative “wheel model” that categorizes students’ housing needs into three interconnected dimensions: personal, social, and intellectual.
Key findings
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The research identifies critical gaps in the services offered by purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA).
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It provides a comparative and holistic tool for assessing student housing quality.
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The proposed model illustrates how housing environments can positively impact students’ well-being, social integration, and academic engagement.
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The study links the improvement of student housing directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, and 11.
Practical and social impact
By applying this holistic framework, universities, policymakers, and housing providers can gain clearer insights into the current status of their facilities and develop effective strategies for improvement. The findings emphasize that student housing is not merely a matter of infrastructure but also a catalyst for inclusion, equity, and sustainable urban development.
This publication continues RepLab’s mission to advance research at the intersection of higher education, sustainability, and student well-being, offering practical tools for shaping future-ready universities.