Students' perception of the effects of distance from the family home on academic performance ? an exploratory analysis

The transition from secondary to higher education may be a challenging time for students. Adjustment to a new social environment, different pedagogical and learning approaches, more autonomy but also more responsibility, are dealt with differently by each individual. One study concluded that the distance between the university and the family residence has, on average, a negative effect on academic performance, particularly noted on male students. However, the empirical evidence on the causes for such effect is mostly indirect. In this paper, we tentatively look into the determinants of the impact of distance on academic performance. Methodologically, we draw on data collected through a web survey applied across a sample of undergraduate students. We expect to enhance the sustained discussion over this issue, which is of the utmost importance for the families, for the universities? student support services and, ultimately, for the authorities planning the territorial dispersion of the network of higher education institutions.