Aligning residential education with university education for holistic student development

University residential education plays a critical role in fostering students' holistic development by enriching their residential experience with educational value. However, the means to achieve this goal remain unclear. To address this issue, the current study was conducted in four public universities in Hong Kong. The study first conducted focus group interviews with university students to investigate the residential educational aims of these universities and whether they align with the universities' educational goals. Then, 77 self-reported online questionnaires were collected to examine the impact of residential experiences on students' holistic development. The study revealed that the residential educational aims of the universities interviewed were not entirely consistent with their respective educational goals, and it highlighted the importance of aligning educational aims inside and outside the residential hall context. The study provides recommendations for the residential community, including university policymakers, student affairs (hall management teams), and student residents. These recommendations aim to promote more comprehensive residential education programs that help students learn and develop beyond the classroom. By aligning the educational aims of universities and residential halls, students can enjoy a more holistic and fulfilling university experience that extends beyond mere academic learning.