Student Perceptions of Housing Affordability:

Comparing University-Provided and Private Rental Accommodation at the University of Nairobi

Abstract

This study examines University of Nairobi students’ perceptions of housing affordability by comparing university-provided housing (UPH) and private rental (PR) accommodation. Moving beyond rent-based measures, it adopts a multidimensional view of affordability encompassing direct housing costs, indirect living expenses, housing quality, convenience, and perceived value. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, data were collected from 83 students using structured questionnaires, complemented by key informant interviews with five university and private accommodation representatives. Descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests were used to compare affordability indicators. Findings show that UPH involved lower rental and transport costs, while PR students reported higher ratings for maintenance, physical housing quality, and residential satisfaction. However, differences in perceived affordability and value for money between UPH and PR students were statistically non-significant. The study demonstrates that student housing affordability is multidimensional and contributes comparative empirical evidence to the Kenyan student housing literature.