City–University–Student Relationship in Strategic City Decision-Making

Abstract

This paper explore university students’ perceptions of the quality of life, study conditions, and employment opportunities in Trnava, one of the most important university cities in Slovakia. University cities play a significant role in regional development, talent retention, and knowledge-based urban governance. Trnava, located in western Slovakia, represents a suitable model of a medium-sized university city, as it hosts two universities – Trnava University and the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius – as well as one faculty of the Slovak University of Technology. Its compact urban structure, accessibility of services, and proximity to the capital city create a dynamic environment influencing students’ decisions about whether to remain in the city after graduation. The study is based on quantitative research conducted through a questionnaire survey among university students studying in Trnava. The questionnaire focused on students’ perceptions of the city as a place for studying and living. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and visualized through graphs and contingency tables. The Chi-square test of independence was applied to examine relationships between selected categorical variables. The findings provide evidence-based insights for municipal strategic planning and knowledge-based city management.