In Portugal, the process of broadening the social base for access to higher education, observed over the years, has favored the democratization of the system. However, this process also contributes to highlighting the weaknesses associated with the scarcity of housing units, whether public or private, administered by institutions themselves to accommodate displaced students – including, increasingly, a heterogeneous contingent of internationally mobile students. The situation of structural insufficiency in responses to student housing is particularly exacerbated in large cities where supply has been decreasing, contrary to the increase in the volume of students, due to pressures related to the conversion of a significant number of private market housing units for tourist exploitation purposes. For these displaced students, who leave their usual residence during the academic period for study reasons, the challenges of adaptation and integration to a new stage of schooling are compounded by the need to find decent housing, with prices compatible with their socio-economic conditions, accommodating to their circumstances and daily experiences, and with a location facilitating mobility between home and educational institution. This paper aims to share the experiences and perceptions of students regarding the quality and functioning conditions of student accommodation managed by the Scholar Social Action in public higher education in Portugal. In substantive terms, the analysis uses data from the National Survey of Displaced Students, as well as information obtained in focus groups with representative structures of these students [1]. The analysis reveals some difficulties in managing common spaces but also reflects a positive assessment in most of the categories of analysis, such as location, mobility and the conditions and services available. In general, the view of the students who live in the residences or those who represent them shows a preference for the transition from the old dormitory model of residence, which still includes a considerable proportion of the residences currently available, to a new, more open, collaborative and convivial model of residence. This implies, among other things, an investment in the common spaces and outdoor spaces of the residences, as well as more flexible rules for the appropriation of space by residents and others in the community.

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Students Hall of Residence,Displaced Students,Accommodations Quality,Portugal

• Sociology - Social Sciences
• Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences