A home away from home: subjectivities and tensions of homemaking in a student residence

Abstract

This thesis explores the effects of homemaking processes and spatial layout on improving student place attachment and identities in the context of student residences in Singapore. This thesis aims to uncover (1) the alternative or contested notions of ‘home’ between local and international exchange students and do their homemaking efforts differ? (2) What are the spatial strategies (verbal, non-verbal gestures) used by students to delineate their boundaries and (re)negotiate with their multiple and (possibly) conflicting spatial identities? Do the spatial identities and freedoms/restrictions of local and exchange students vary? (3) How, and to what degree has the spatial layout of student residences affected students’ place attachment, place identity and social interactions with other students? Walking interviews, a participant photo diary and photo-taking methods will be employed in a residential college in the National University of Singapore. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on geographies of students by providing an Asian perspective and focusing on the short-term stay of international exchange students instead of international full-time ones. The findings can aid in the improvement of improvement of spatial design, (re)purposing of rooms and organization of social activities in student residences to promote greater student place attachment and student retention. The findings also have implications for understanding the dynamics of other forms of institutional living, such as that of care homes or boarding schools.