The University as a Hub of Attraction: Examining the Influence of Localization and Family on University Choice Decisions in Hungary

This study seeks to examine the attractiveness of higher education institutions as community spaces for students and the significance of the services they provide. It aims to explore students’ perspectives on planning their long-term futures, particularly in assessing whether the university environment serves as a stronger influence than their place of origin or family background. The role of the university is particularly significant if it is located outside the student’s town of origin, so the student’s decision to attend a particular institution is not necessarily based on the specific undergraduate program or the prestige of the university. The study combines a review of the national and international literature with an empirical investigation, utilizing a questionnaire survey to analyze students’ decision-making processes. Many students perceived the university as a transitional “island”, offering a temporary space to inhabit before embarking on their future careers. The degree obtained serves as a “passport” to professional opportunities, while the university experience provides a unique community environment and represents a significant step toward independence and separation from familial influence. These findings hold particular relevance for universities, which are continually redefining their roles in response to changing student expectations. Many students view the university not merely as a site of learning but as a precursor to adulthood and a foundational space for personal growth. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature by focusing on the appeal of universities as local hubs and comparing their influence to the retaining power of family ties, offering insights for student development.