Major Problems Encountered by Non- Boarding College Students: Focus on Assela College of Teacher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the major problems that threaten non-boarding college students of Assela College of Teacher Education. It was also intended to see the differences observed in the types of problems faced by the students in terms of gender and previous residence background. To achieve the objectives, 211 (133 female and 78 male) students, 19 instructors of the college and 23 house renters were used as sources of information. All the necessary data was collected using pilot tested questionnaire and interview. The result indicated that the students are challenged by financial constraint, problems related to housing, interpersonal relationship and sexual harassment. Passionate love, anxiety, and unprotected sexual intercourse are also among the challenges faced by the students. Moreover, the quantitative analysis of the data revealed a significant difference between male and female students in terms of passionate love, anxiety and sexual harassment. The respondents' previous residence background brought a statistically significant difference only in addiction. Discussions are made from the point of view of current practice and earlier studies. Finally, possible implications of the findings for higher education institutions, together with recommendations, are forwarded.