Our research examined the relationship between sense of belonging and commuting distance by administering a survey to 192 undergraduate students in an introductory research methods course. A statistically significant correlation was found between commute time and sense of belonging, r(185) = .19, p = .009. However, the belonging scale showed low internal consistency and measurement validity, with a Cronbach’s alpha of α = .283. 

Commute time and levels of belonging increased together, indicating a moderate positive relationship, though we cannot conclude that commute time leads to stronger feelings of belonging due to the study’s limited generalizability. These findings differ from earlier research that linked students’ sense of belonging to academic motivation (Walton & Cohen, 2007). 

Understanding how commute time affects student connection is important for allocating necessary resources, and future research should explore how class year, campus involvement, and housing influence students’ sense of belonging.

SCROLL THROUGH THE INFOGRAPHIC TO LEARN MORE!