Knowledge Bank

The purpose of this study is to identify factors related to food insecurity and the housing vulnerability of undergraduate college students. Research has shown that students facing housing and severe food insecurity are more likely to fail or withdraw from classes. Intuitional practices also play a role in housing and food insecurity in college students. Many offer community resources to students, but students are often unaware of resources available to them or fear stigma associated with asking for help. Results drawn from a sample of nine on-campus and off-campus students show that 44 percent experienced some level of food insecurity and that 67 percent depend on loans to cover living expenses. Several common themes were expressed in focus groups including the recognition that rising housing costs were a major stressor, resulting in sacrifices made in exchange for affordability (e.g., safety, distance to campus, cutting out other budgetary items). Conclusions found that food and housing insecurity among college students remains an issue when resources fail to address the needs of vulnerable students. Improving resource education and accessibility may reduce financial stressors and improve the quality of education for at-risk students.