Affordability is king–with private bedroom: exploring the mismatch of students’ housing preferences in constrained housing markets

As Generation Z young adults are entering post-secondary education, little is known about the role of affordability in understanding these students’ housing preferences. For this purpose, we introduce a methodology, the Housing Preferences Choice Board (HPCB), mimicing conditions of expensive rental markets. This paper seeks to elucidate students’ decision-making concerning housing (including location, commuting to campus, amenities, etc.) under economically low versus high constrained scenarios. Findings indicate that, when lowly restrained by costs, students would generally prefer to live close to the university, retail and entertainment areas, with a private room (and private facilities). Additionally, students would choose to be in contact with the student community with good relationships with roommates. However, when highly financially constrained, they prioritize adequate housing characteristics, a private room (within a shared dwelling), and a transport-accessible location (even far from campus). Choices are made at the expense of connection to community, peers, and their university campus, historically associated with student success and well-being.