Student Preferences for Room Attributes at University Halls of Residence: An Application of the Willingness to Pay Technique

Abstract

This paper aims to identify student preferences for room attributes at university halls of residence. A sample of 152 students at one university in the UK indicated their willingness to pay (WTP) to upgrade various elements of their room and living area. The results indicate that students are willing to pay most for attributes affecting their privacy, followed by convenience-related attributes. Differences between students were found based on their gender and where they spent most of their life. Some implications for the management of halls of residence are presented. In addition, issues concerning the format of questions posed in hospitality research are discussed.