Exploring Residential Experiences of Undergraduate Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Collective Case Study of One Historically Black College and University in the U.S.

Abstract

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused higher education institutions to pivot to online instruction, most residential students were forced to vacate on-campus housing. While these students often moved to be with family or friends, not all students had safe and supportive housing options. This paper explores the experiences of students who requested to live on-campus because of housing insecurity or the need for independent space. Specifically, this paper reports on the types of support and resources that 20 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) residential undergraduates relied on to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic and to cope with the isolation of living on a nearly empty campus. Valued resources include faculty relationships, student networks, and a sense of belonging with the campus culture. Implications for higher education practitioners include reexamining students’ capital and adopting trauma-informed approaches into reopening plans.