The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu is exploring the need for and interest in student residence halls, and is conducting a market study, including a survey of current students from April 29 to May 17.
The survey by Scion Advisory Group will identify student interest in UH West O‘ahu-based housing, demand by bed or unit type, unit mix and sizes, desired amenities, and pricing.
“Campus residence halls provide many benefits to the university and the local community,” said UH West O‘ahu Vice Chancellor for Administration David McDonald. “For students, residence halls increase student learning, enhance connections to the campus, improve interpersonal skill development, and provide immediate access to campus resources and activities. For the community, students living in a university village environment reduces the number of students who have to commute to campus, increases the number of participants in local community activities, and on-campus students support local businesses. For the university, students living on campus increase the vibrancy and energy of all university activities.”
UH West O‘ahu currently does not have residence halls. However, dormitory space for UH West O‘ahu students is available through a partnership with neighbor Hawai‘i Tokai International College. UH West O‘ahu’s spring enrollment was 2,863.
The location being considered for housing is within the University Village at the Ho‘omohala Avenue gateway to campus, near the Skyline’s Keone‘ae transit station. The Skyline connects UH students to goods and services along the rail line, and provides a connection to the Leeward Community College campus. The planned next phase of the Skyline connecting UH West O‘ahu to the airport makes this location even more advantageous for students who would live in this new residence hall.
The study is based on a 300-bed minimum. Preliminary findings are anticipated this summer, and will be made part of a formal housing-demand study. UH West O‘ahu students are highly encouraged to participate in the survey.
Note: This story also ran in UH News.