The Influence of Residential Environment on the Character Formation of University Students: A Case Study of UTHM Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

Arwansyah Kirin; Khairuddin Khairuddin

doi:10.70742/arsos.v2i2.362

Authors

Arwansyah Kirin Islamic Studies Department, Centre for General Studies and Co-curricular, University Tun Hussein On Malaysia
Khairuddin Khairuddin STAI Syekh Abdur Rauf Singkil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70742/arsos.v2i2.362

Keywords:

residential environment, character formation, university students, UTHM Pagoh, Malaysia

Abstract

The residential environment plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ character, yet empirical studies in Malaysia particularly in semi-rural campuses such as UTHM Pagoh remain scarce. The shifting lifestyles of students living away from their families highlight the urgent need to examine how physical conditions, social interactions and prevailing norms within their residential settings influence character formation. This study aims to analyze the impact of residential environment on the character development of UTHM Pagoh students. Employing a quantitative survey design with 304 respondents, data were analyzed using simple regression via SPSS 25. The findings reveal that the residential environment has a statistically significant effect on students’ character (0,000 < 0,05), although its contribution is relatively small (8.6%). These results affirm that residential factors while not dominant, remain integral in shaping students’ moral behavior alongside family background, digital media and academic engagement. Theoretically, this study expands the discourse on character education by highlighting the often-overlooked role of residential context. Practically, the implications offer valuable insights for universities and policymakers in designing dormitory environments and character-building programs that are more conducive, inclusive and effective.

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