Kehidupan Sehari-Hari Mahasiswa Urban di Kota Medan dan Konsumsi Food Away From Home: Kajian Kualitatif di Pemukiman Mahasiswa Sekitar Kampus

Abstract

This study aims to understand the daily life of urban students in Medan City in consuming food away from home (FAFH). The phenomenon of consuming food away from home is increasingly common among students, especially for those who live far from their parents and do not have access to cooking facilities. The results of the study were analyzed using the theory of sociology of everyday life which views that routine actions such as eating are not ordinary activities. But rather activities that are full of social meaning. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 informants from three state universities in Medan City. The universities were selected based on the number of boarding houses around them and places to eat. Field observations and documentation were first carried out. Furthermore, data interpretation was carried out using NVivo 12 software in accordance with the provisions of qualitative writing. The results of the study show that the consumption of food away from home among urban students is not only driven by nutritional needs, but also by practical factors, limited facilities, social influences, and as a form of self-reward and socialization in hanging out activities. The dynamic urban environment, the existence of many places to eat around campus, and easy access to online food service applications also strengthen this habit. This study also shows that students distinguish daily consumption from recreational consumption which is usually done in cafes or restaurants as a form of self-appreciation. So that this consumption pattern reflects an urban lifestyle that is formed through adaptation to the urban environment.