Finding a House in Utrecht: The Perception of Inclusion for the International Students

Abstract

The following research aims to investigate the concept of inclusiveness in finding housing for the international community. The research questions are focused on understanding the function of the concept of inclusion for international students in the search for housing, the types of stereotypes or prejudices that arise during the home search process, and their impact on this procedure. The research utilizes a qualitative methodology, specifically semi-structured interviews of 15 international students. Three important topics were analyzed, including accommodation, prejudice, stereotypes, and communication related to these topics. The results reveal that prejudice significantly impacts the students’ overall consideration of housing. The international students interviewed emphasized the importance of inclusion in securing their own residence, yet they felt minimized in their attempts to do so. Many students expressed feeling excluded by the Dutch student society due to misconceptions and biases, which were often treated humorously. Preconceptions and prejudices were found to be closely related to the housing issue, as they can harm international students' sense of belonging and lead to their exclusion from the Dutch student community. The research highlights a genuine housing difference between foreign and local students, as it is uncommon for them to reside in the same accommodation. The study suggests that further investigation into the concept of inclusion is necessary, with a larger sample size of over 150 participants.