Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of students, studying tourism at the undergraduate level, regarding the quality of student housing places. Methodology: A survey was conducted and the data was collected using purposive sampling method form 334 students, studying at Tourism Faculty in Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University and staying in state dormitories, private dormitories and student apartments. Statistical analysis methods such as factor analysis, reliability analysis and ANOVA analysis were used in the analysis of the data obtained. Findings: The results of the analyses show that students' perceptions of service quality have a five-factor structure. These factors are "staff", "managerial approach", "physical characteristics of the building", "financial and socio-cultural elements" and "other features/amenities". It has been found that the expectations of the students regarding these five factors (quality of service) have not been adequately met. Students evaluate low the following issiues related with housing service quality: “lack of adequate reference to their opinions”, “inadequacy of common areas of use” and “lack of continuous improvement”. Students evaluate high the “24 hour hot water facility”, “lack of heating problems” and the “clean and smooth appearance of the staff”. In addition, it was found that there is a significant difference between the students' perceptions of service quality by different housing types and that there are differences by reasons for choosing housing place. Originality: In this study, the perception of housing services quality by undergraduate tourism students were investigated, which makes a significant contribution in particular to Turkish literature on the subject. It’s believed to be one of the first housing service guality studies, carried out among undergraduate tourism students.

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