Determinant factors in the spatial distribution of university students in Concepcion (Chile), using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR)

This article aims to analyze the unequal influence of various explanatory variables on the residential choices of university students in Concepcion (Chile), using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to assess spatial correlation. Although there is a growing body of literature in student geographies examining the motivations behind student residential choices, a gap remains in comprehensive, cross-cutting studies on this topic. To address this, we georeferenced over 11,000 data points representing the temporary residences of university students from the three main universities in Concepci & oacute;n. Then, we analyzed the relationship between this dependent variable and various socioeconomic variables obtained from secondary sources (independent variables). The results, interpreted in the context of the existing literature, highlight the significant role of factors such as campus connectivity, the availability of apartment housing, and the presence of high-, middle-, and lower-middle-income groups as primary factors influencing students in their choice of residence.