LHMM24013 From long-term to short term rental: commodification of student lifestyle as a driver of Chinese studentification and mental health

Background: Over the last 20 years Chinese studentification has emerged as a new urban phenomenon. Chinese studentification is closely related to the commodification of off-campus housing which has been commodified based on different rental terms of housing, namely long- or short-term rental. Off-campus housing provides students with a stable and independent space, to a certain extent, can promote their mental health development. Subjects and Methods: The aim in this paper is to deepen knowledge about the production and consumption of off-campus student housing in the form of LTR and STR. This is an emerging dimension of Chinese studentification that is tied to the ongoing commodification of student lifestyles out of campuses. The paper is divided into four sections. The first section introtuces the background of off-campus residence and its commodification. The second section discusses the role of off-campus residence in the realization of Chinese student lifestyles, briefly reviews the process of the commodification of off-campus housing from LTR to STR, and compares LTR and STR. The third section presents influences of the commodification of off-campus student lifestyles and housing on Chinese studentification and cities. The final section reflects upon the potentially threatening for the production and consumption of off-campus student housing in China and relevant policy implications are offered. Off-campus housing provides a stable and independent space where students can gain a sense of security and freedom in a more private environment, contributing to the development of self-awareness and personality. Short-term rent can promote social activities and communication between students more than long-term rent, which is beneficial to reducing stress and loneliness. Results: The shift from student-oriented LTR to STR out of campuses is virtually feedback to the ongoing commodification of Chinese student lifestyles. Off-campus student housing was initially commodified in a spatial or materialistic way (offerings of private spaces and appealing facilities/amenities) during the period when LTR predominated in the student housing market out of campuses. Later, this housing was commodified in a more aesthetic way or by promoting extra services after STR was introduced in the off-campus student housing market. Broadly, the commodification of HE student lifestyles might have a long-lasting impact on Chinese studentification and cities. Inevitably, the continuing extension of Chinese studentification has exerted influences, in particular lifestyle-based influences (one of the significant social influences), on some towns and cities. The commodification of HE student lifestyles also relieves students of academic and social stress, which can have negative effects on mental health, such as feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem. Conclusions: Off-campus housing is essential to enact new lifestyles for China’s HE students and the shift from student-oriented long- to short-term rental out of campuses is virtually feedback to ongoing commodification of Chinese student lifestyles. Therefore, the commodification of HE student lifestyles might have a long-lasting impact on Chinese studentification and cities. Off-campus housing provides students with a stable and independent space, to a certain extent, can promote their mental health development. The article suggests that urban government or HEs could take an active role in supporting some students’ moves into private rented housing.