CITY PERCEPTION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF QUALITY OF LIFE: THE CASE OF TEKİRDAĞ

43905

The perception of the city is a relative reflection of urban reality on different social segments. This perception is important in terms of the status of the city and also influences the shaping of the quality of life. The perceptions of university students, who are qualified people living in the city, are worth examining. This study aims to reveal the city perception of Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University students in terms of quality of life based on these reasons. In this context, it is aimed to reveal the indicators regarding the development of the city and the spread of satisfaction in urban life. In this study, quantitative method and questionnaire technique were used accordingly. The content and scope of our study consist of survey data taken from a sample of 476 students in the central campus of the university that we selected by simple random sampling technique. In addition, the study was supported by participant observation and conversation style interviews. According to the findings of the study, while university students whose perceptions about the city are positive, they consider the city as a natural-geographical location and take a negative and hesitant attitude towards physical infrastructure and superstructure. They also consider the services and opportunities provided by the city limited and inadequate. They show a similar attitude towards educational, cultural and artistic activities both in the university and in the city. On the other hand, it is seen that the students are significantly satisfied with the free environment they think the city provides them. As a result, after the students graduate, they are undecided about seeing Tekirdağ as a city where they can live and do their profession in the future.

413

Quality of Life , University Students , City Perception , Tekirdağ

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education

428

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education