Enhancing Student Housing Accessibility and Affordability: A Comprehensive Analysis of Private Accommodations at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Abstract

The fundamental right to education drives students across the globe to seek higher education opportunities, often necessitating relocations within their own country or abroad. In the context of Sri Lanka, the higher education gross enrolment rate has steadily increased, currently standing at 19.8%. However, the capacity of the nation's universities to offer on-campus housing falls short in accommodating the surging student population. Consequently, there has been a growing demand for private student housing, met primarily by private housing providers. At the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a significant proportion, approximately 60% of undergraduate students, face the challenge of lacking access to on-campus dormitory facilities, making private housing companies a potentially pivotal solution. However, a critical gap exists in the legal framework regulating student private housing, forcing students to seek accommodation in hotels.When selecting private housing, students take into account multifaceted factors including location, proximity to the educational institution, safety, amenities, and the degree of personal autonomy they can enjoy. This research endeavours to develop an invaluable decision-making tool to empower students in making informed choices regarding private accommodations. Given that a substantial portion of students originates from rural areas where daily commutes to the university are impractical, student housing assumes paramount significance in their pursuit of higher education. This research project advocates for institutional guidance in the selection of private housing, a move that would substantially benefit students grappling with the challenge of securing suitable accommodations within limited timeframes. The study's findings hold the potential to significantly improve the educational journey for aspiring students in Sri Lanka, thereby enhancing accessibility and equity in higher education.