Green Spaces as Catalysts for Social Interaction Among Students in Selected Colleges at Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria
摘要
Green spaces within university environments serve as more than aesthetic elements; they function as vital social infrastructure that fosters student interaction, reduces stress, and supports cognitive and emotional well-being. This study investigates the role of green spaces in facilitating student engagement at Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria. 278 students across three colleges participated in a structured questionnaire survey. Quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and regression analysis, was conducted using SPSS. Findings revealed that 67.2% of respondents visited green spaces primarily for relaxation and social interaction. The centrally located Love Garden emerged as the most frequented space due to its accessibility and design features. A weak but statistically significant correlation was observed between green space use and stress relief (r = 0.177, p < 0.05). Perceptions of green space benefits did not significantly differ by sex or college affiliation. These results underscore the need for university planners to incorporate equitable and strategically designed green spaces to promote student wellness and campus cohesion.