Understanding young people’s transitions in university halls through space and time

Abstract

This article contributes to the theoretical discussion about young people’s transitions through space and time. Space and time are complex overarching concepts that have creative potential in deepening understanding of transition. The focus of this research is young people’s experiences of communal living in university halls. It is argued that particular space–time concepts draw attention to different facets of experience and in combination deepen the understanding of young people’s individual and collective transitions. The focus of the article is the uses of the space–time concepts ‘routine’, ‘representation’, ‘rhythm’ and ‘ritual’ to research young people’s experiences. The article draws on research findings from two studies in the North of England.