What happens when informal power inside a hostel starts to outweigh formal rules? This qualitative study explores how unauthorized or "illegitimate" student groups shape decision-making in university hostel administration — from room allocation to rule enforcement.
Drawing on eight semi-structured interviews analyzed through thematic analysis, the research identifies four core themes: pressure on hostel administration, inequity in access to hostel resources, financial and institutional consequences, and threats to student well-being. Room allocation emerges as the most contested issue, with intimidation, sit-ins, and informal networks cited as key levers of influence.
The study closes with a proposed governance model built on four pillars — legitimacy, transparency, institutional capacity, and student engagement — along with practical recommendations for university administrators.
A valuable read for hostel administrators, Student Affairs departments, and researchers in higher-education governance, institutional management, or student welfare.
