Inclusion and diversity in university residences: policies, benefits and challenges

University residences can play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion. According to several studies, an inclusive living environment significantly improves the college experience of students regardless of their background.

How? Reducing feelings of isolation and fostering social integration by creating spaces where all students feel welcomed and respected. A study a few years ago conducted by the American Academy of Neurology titled“Development of an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Pledge as the Foundation for Action in an Academic Department of Neurology” found that well-managed residencies can become catalysts for social change, fostering students’ personal and academic growth.

Promoting housing policies of inclusion and diversity in university residence halls

Promoting inclusion and diversity in university residences requires deliberate and targeted policies. Universities must implement housing policies that recognize and value student diversity. A UNESCO report stresses the importance of these policies, suggesting that they include the creation of affordable housing, support programs for international students and initiatives that promote cultural awareness.

Examples of effective policies include:

• Accessible housing: Facilities designed for students with disabilities.
• Mentoring programs: Mentors who help international students adjust to university life.
• Cultural Events: Activities and programs that celebrate different cultures and traditions, promoting mutual awareness and respect.

A key element in promoting inclusion in this type of housing solution
Is the implementation of support programs for international students.
These programs help foreign residents feel welcomed and supported in a new environment.

Cross-cultural activities are key to promoting understanding and respect among children of different backgrounds by giving them the opportunity to interact, share their experiences and learn from each other. An excellent example of these initiatives is described in an article in the Journal of Intercultural Studies, which highlights how cultural festivals and intercultural dialogues help build bridges of understanding and develop greater cultural awareness(Hurtado et al., 2012)

Benefits of inclusion and diversity in university residences

Inclusion in university residences brings numerous benefits not only to students, but also to the academic environment as a whole. Inclusive environments foster a number of significant benefits ranging from improved academic performance to enhanced psychological well-being to the development of crucial cross-cultural competencies.

Students living in inclusive university residences tend to achieve higher academic results. This positive effect can be attributed to several factors.
A welcoming and respectful environment reduces stress and anxiety, allowing better concentration in studies. In addition, accommodations dedicated to this target audience that promote inclusion often offer academic support programs, such as tutoring and workshops, that help students overcome academic difficulties.

Living in an inclusive environment also improves psychological well-being.

Feeling accepted and respected contributes to higher self-esteem and a feeling of emotional security. This is especially important for those from minority or marginalized backgrounds, who may face additional challenges in their educational journey.

An article in the Canadian Journal of Higher Education found that students living in inclusive university residences report lower levels of depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of such environments for students’ overall well-being(Guo & Jamal, 2007)

Another significant benefit of inclusion is the development of intercultural competence.
Living in culturally diverse environments allows you to learn to interact with people from different backgrounds and develop cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills. These skills are essential in an increasingly globalized world, where the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings is highly valued.

Conclusion

Despite progress, several challenges exist in implementing inclusive housing policies. Resistance to change, limited resources and cultural biases can hinder efforts to promote inclusion. However, with continued effort and a well-defined strategy, these challenges can be overcome and more inclusive university residences can be created(Siri et al., 2022).

University residences play a key role in promoting inclusion and diversity. Through targeted policies and concrete initiatives, living environments can be created that not only welcome but celebrate diversity. This enhances students’ college experience and helps to form more knowledgeable and respectful citizens of cultural differences.

Inclusive housing policies are essential to ensure that all students have a positive and enriching college experience. It is important to continue working for higher education that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

In the In-Domus studentates several environments and activities foster this kind of dialogue and personal growth.Living in an international environment can only be a fundamental part of one’s journey through these important years of growth.

Read also Beyond the dormitory: The evolution of In-Domus university residences.