Abstract:
Living in a college hostel significantly shapes a female student’s growth. It cultivates independence through daily decision-making and problem-solving, while fostering self-reliance. The built-in community reduces isolation and stress, offering vital peer support. Hostels instil responsibility through shared living and demanding time and resource management. Furthermore, this environment allows students to break free from some home pressures, facilitating the development of an individual identity.
In conclusion, the college hostel environment provides a microcosm of society where female students can develop crucial life skills. It pushes them out of their comfort zone, fosters resilience, nurtures Independence, and builds a strong foundation for their personal and professional lives beyond college.
Introduction:
The meaning of hostel
In some countries the term hostel is used specifically for the accommodation of students and travellers. Although hostels are considered residences in India that houses schools, colleges or universities, all hostels are supervised by the hostel warden and other staff. The hostel usually houses hundreds of students together and it all forms a group of students. These students come from diverse ethical, social, geographical, and economic backgrounds. Hostels are places where students stay away from home for formal studies and education. But the concept of hostel is not limited to the residence only, the hostel is the human practical laboratory so the hostel is not just a place to live, it is a centre of learning. As much as students learn from their teachers and as well as enrich their understanding during their stay in the hostel, they can also contribute to the curriculum, hostel, and character building through analytical discussions among the students living in the hostel. In the hostel, students not only learn theoretical material but also learn to enhance their personal abilities and learn to live independently. Impact of hostel life
Hostel life is a crucible that profoundly shapes students, forging independence, and adaptability. When students leave the familiar comforts of home, they are thrust into a new environment where they must learn to manage their own finances, tackle academic pressures, and resolve interpersonal conflicts. This forced self-reliance often cultivates a deeper sense of empathy and fosters remarkable emotional stability, as they witness and support their peers through similar struggles.
The shared living environment is a fertile ground for socialization. Students from varied backgrounds converge, exchanging ideas, cultural norms, and personal perspectives. This constant interaction broadens their understanding of the world and can even subtly influence their views on topics like religion, as they engage in discussions that challenge preconceived notions. Living with peers from diverse regions, speaking different languages, and holding distinct beliefs cultivates a rich cultural understanding that extends far beyond textbooks.
This unique experience is not just about coping; it is about thriving. It instils a strong sense of self-sufficiency and bolsters confidence, equipping students with the resilience needed to face the complexities of practical life. Ultimately, the immersion in hostel life is a powerful catalyst for personal evolution. It subtly, yet significantly, alters a student’s personality, refining their behaviour, broadening their thinking, and even influencing their personal style, as they learn to adjust to and grow with their diverse dorm mates. The constant negotiation, compromise, and shared experiences inherent in hostel living create individuals who are more well-rounded, resilient, and prepared for the world beyond campus. Human personality is profoundly shaped by life experiences. From birth, a child’s family offers a protective environment, with early interactions gradually expanding into broader social engagements. This process of socialization is crucial, as it equips individuals to become effective members of society.
An individual’s lifestyle and personality are significantly influenced by their surroundings. Consequently, the social structure plays a vital role in developing personality and behaviour. A lifestyle encompasses the interests, opinions, behaviours, and behavioural orientations of an individual, group, or culture.
Your student hostel provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people and establish connections. Participating in social events and communal spaces is great for building friendships with other students in a youth hostel. Additionally, joining sports teams or participating in social activities related to your interests can foster new relationships. When (you move into your student accommodation, take the initiative to acquaint yourself with the individuals in your flat or corridor.
Need of study:
- It can help to improve the quality of hostel Services in Government Homeopathic Medical College & girls hostel Bhopal
- It will reflect personality development in hostel students
Aim and objectives:
- To explore the perception of students about hostel life
- To study psychological and behavioural impact of hostel life
- To study influence of multi-cultural peer group
- To make suitable recommendation for the improvement of hostel facilities in Government Homeopathic Medical College, Bhopal
Inclusion:
- All girls residing in hostel
- No age bar
- All religions
- All socio-economic group
- Willing to participate in study
Exclusion:
- Not willing to participate
- Part time residents of hostel are not included
- Introverted girls are not included
- Furious /enraged girls not included in study
Tools:
- Questionnaire
- Personal data sheet
Analysis: outcome using questionnaire
Methodology:
- Research site: Government Homeopathic Medical College and girls hostel Bhopal
- Sample size: 20 hostel girls
- Case selection: based on exclusion and inclusion criteria
- Source: Girls Homeopathic Hostel, Ayush Parisar Bhopal (G.H.M.C. Bhopal)
- Research Design: observational study
- Sources of data: Government Homeopathic Medical college and girls’ hostel, Bhopal
- Selection:
Included girls of all religion
Random selection
Hypothesis:
HO1- there will be no significant difference between behaviour and personality and hostel.
HO2- there will be no interactional effect between hostel residential status and behavioural development
Results:
- HO1- there will be significant differences between behaviour and personality and hostel.
- HO2- there will be an interactional effect between hostel residential status and behavioural development.
- Hostel girls have better behaviours and their adjustment (personality) developed while residing in hostel
- There is a connection between hostel life, personality development.
- Personality characteristics related with hostel students are realistic, punctual, disciplined, independent, compromising and well organised.
- girls easily adjust in hostel
- (+tve) behavioural changes involved character building preparing students for future practical life. (PG entrance test and job preparation during hostel life)
- (-tve) behavioural adaptations include students becoming lazy, careless attitude towards studies, wasting time with friends.
Conclusion:
- Study explored impact of hostel life on hostel students
- Experience and behaviour changes, personality characteristics of hostel students.
- Studies differences among roommates.
Age of respondents
Age Students no. %
17-20 12 60
21-25 08 40
Total 20 100
Religion of respondents
Religion categories No. of students %
Hindu 15 75
Islam 5 25
Other
Total 20 100
Family size (having members between)
Family size /category Student no. %
1-2 14 70
3-4 6 30
Total 20 100
Family type
Family type / category Students no. %
Nuclear family 14 70
Joint family 6 30
Total 20 100
Educational level
Educational level Students no. %
Higher secondary
Graduation
Total
Participants’ average monthly family expenditures (amount of money to fulfil the necessities of family over a month)
Category Students no. %
<10 thousand 5 25%
<30 thousand 10 50%
<50 thousand 5 25%
Total 20 100%
Adjustment with hostel roommates
Majority of students adjustment-70%
Never adjustment -30%
Healthy food
Majority students not good healthy food -80%
Healthy food – 20%
Behavior impacts
Majority students’ adjustment psychological & behavioural -80%
Never adjustment – 20%
Happy life
Majority of students very good and led happy life -80%
Not happy – 20%
Hostel staff behavior
Majority students’ adjustment with staff behaviour-80%
Never adjustment – 20%
Security of students
Majority of students very good security led -60%
Not happy – 40%
Average monthly expenditure
Majority students’ adjustment-80%
Never adjustment -20%
References:
The International Journal of Indian Psychology
https://ijin.in
www.creativecommons.org
Amina Iftikhar, Asir Ajmal: A Qualitative Study Investigating the Impact of Hostel Life
