Student Residence Hall Rooms: Sense of Control, Sense of Community, Student Relationships, and Academic Achievement

The present study investigated the effects of room amenities and rules addressing the physical space of the room on sense of control, sense of community, student relationships, and academic achievement. Participants in this study were 118 Connecticut College students (25 men, 92 women, and 1 not specified). The study indicates that different room amenities and rules may influence student residents' sense of control, sense of community, and student relationships. In addition, these may have an indirect effect on academic achievement, as academic achievement is found to be positively associated with sense of control, sense of community, and student relationships. Recommendations for institutions of higher learning include providing student residents with living arrangements that best promote sense of control and sense of community to optimize academic achievement. It is suggested that the amenities, such as an air conditioner controllable by the resident, Internet connection, a window that a resident could open, and a view to nature from the window, all of which promote sense of control and sense of community, be included in student residence hall rooms. Additional findings, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.