Abstract:
Studies key elements of college student culture, to analyse college student culture and to study college student culture in Thai higher education institutions by using a qualitative research method. An interview technique, questionnaires and observation were used. Questionnaires were sent to 2,211 college students. To analyse the college student culture, a factor analysis method by image factoring and Varimax rotation was applied. Also a one-way analsis of variance and Scheffe method were used to compare student culture. The finding were as follows : 1.Fifteen key elements of student culture were found : 1) Use of time in residence, 2) Learning activities, 3) Learning attitude, 4) Free time activities, 5) Faculty-student relationships, 6) Peer Groups, 7) Attitude and participation in Student activities, 8) Attitude towards residences, 9) Part-time jobs, 10) Career planning, 11) Interest in art, 12) Interest in social problems, 13) Attitude towards politics, 14)Religious faith, and 15) Thai Nationalism. 2. Fourteen different college student cultures were found : 1) Studious type, 2) Student activities type, 3) Social interest type, 4) Religious type, 5) Student-faculty relations type, 6) Art appreciation type 7) Occupational type, 8) Political interest type, 9) Part time job type, 10) Thai cultural type, 11) Eager to learn type, 12) College residential type, 13) Peer group type, and 14) Nationalistic type. The background of the subject of the study included; type of high school for graduation, home town, parent's occupations parent's income, location of institution, field of study, and residences difference in accomodation. All show that there is significant difference at .05 level 3. The search using the qualitative method had the following results : most of the student sdressed neatly in their uniforms, stayed with peer groups, liked to stay in dormitories, rarely joined in student activities, had little interest in social problems, accepted the importance of religions but not normally involved, had limited relation with their professors, had little interest in politics, arts and part time jobs., and had a good attitude toward Thai culture. The research showed that Pure Science students put more effort into their studies than the Arts and Social Science students.