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How far is too far? An analysis of students’ perceptions of the impact of distance between university and family home on academic performance

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  • Costa Rosalina Pisco

    (Universidade de Évora, CEPESE and CICS.NOVA.UÉvora)

  • Vieira Carlos

    (Universidade de Évora and CEFAGE (Centro de Estudos e Formação Avançada))

  • Vieira Isabel

    (Universidade de Évora and CEFAGE (Centro de Estudos e Formação Avançada))

Abstract

Transition to university is a challenging phase in youngsters’ lives. The literature indicates that geographical distance separating the places of study and of family residence adds to the difficulties of transition and adjustment to university. Recent evidence suggests that it also negatively impacts students’ grades. Despite important work done by economists, geographers and psychologists, sociology has devoted scarce interest in understanding this topic. This article seeks to bridge this gap, specifically exploring the reasons justifying the largely ignored effect of distance between the university and family home in academic performance. The study draws on data on undergraduate students of a Portuguese public university, collected through an online survey. Two dimensions, one more related to practical life occupations and another more linked to personal feelings and activities, are examined. It is argued that the negative impact of distance is mainly due to homesickness and to the time spent traveling home. Results from such analysis are twofold socially relevant: of the utmost importance for families, academics and students’ support services, deserve to be seriously considered by policy makers deciding on the territorial distribution of higher-education institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Costa Rosalina Pisco & Vieira Carlos & Vieira Isabel, 2017. "How far is too far? An analysis of students’ perceptions of the impact of distance between university and family home on academic performance," European Review of Applied Sociology, Sciendo, vol. 10(15), pages 28-40, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:erapso:v:10:y:2017:i:15:p:28-40:n:4
    DOI: 10.1515/eras-2017-0007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carlos Vieira & Isabel Vieira & Luis Raposo, 2018. "Distance and academic performance in higher education," Spatial Economic Analysis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(1), pages 60-79, January.
    2. Elias Katsikas & Theodore Panagiotidis, 2011. "Student Status and Academic Performance: Accounting for the Symptom of Long Duration of Studies in Greece," Discussion Paper Series 2011_04, Department of Economics, University of Macedonia, revised Mar 2011.
    3. John Cullinan & Darragh Flannery & Sharon Walsh & Selina Mccoy, 2013. "Distance Effects, Social Class and the Decision to Participate in Higher Education in Ireland," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 44(1), pages 19-51.
    4. Gibbons, Stephen & Vignoles, Anna, 2012. "Geography, choice and participation in higher education in England," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 42(1-2), pages 98-113.
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