Student Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Residence Halls

The research investigated the level of satisfaction in the residence hall by classification and floor of residence. Five hypotheses were tested and three were r ejected. A significant difference was found in mean score by floor. Seventh floor was significantly more satisfied with residence hall living than either third or fourth floor. This study also examined the correlations among item ratings and total ratings and the correlation between the satisfaction rating and the importance rating. All correlation coefficients between item ratings and total ratings were found to be statistically significant beyond the .05 level. The items on the satisfaction component and the importance component of the questionnaire were rank ordered by mean ratings and subtracted from one another. The comparisons assisted in identifying positive and negative areas of the residence hall. Three free response questions were also included and added further information to the study. The quality of food, elevators, and quiet hours were the areas of dissatisfaction. Special interest living, the proximity of friends, and the meals at the Backdoor were areas of highest satisfaction. A t-test was calculated comparing the satisfaction rating means and the theoretical means. The results indicated that the residents taking the questionnaire were significantly more satisfied than would be theorized on the arithmetic average