Off-campus housing experiences of international students and the impacts on local neighborhoods : a case study of studentification around the University of Hong Kong

Abstract

In view of the increasing number of international students studying in Hong Kong and in need of rented accommodation in private housing market due to the severe shortage of university-managed student housing, this paper attempts to provide a clear picture of the demand of student housing and to examine the studentification effects in Hong Kong. Through the case study of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the concentration locations of HKU international students in off-campus neighborhoods can be identified and the effects of studentification in the contexts of cultural, economic and social aspects as well as physical appearance of the studentified neighborhoods of HKU can be examined so as to understand how the studentified neighborhoods developed with distinct characteristics due to the emergence of studentification. Furthermore, by means of understanding and analyzing HKU international students’ housing preferences, housing experiences and their difficulties in renting private accommodation, the impact on the local housing market can be assessed and feasible opportune measure or intervention can also be explored with a view to minimize the adverse impacts of the emergence of studentification as well as severe shortage of student housing.