The Local Environment and its Impact on the Future Spatial Preferences of Univeresity Students in the Municipality of Msallata

Abstract

This study aims to examine and analyse the motivations behind the future spatial preferences of young adults in university education (aged 18–25) in the Municipality of Mesallata, while assessing the capacity of the local environment to meet the future aspirations of university graduates. The central problem of the study revolves around the local environment's ability to provide job opportunities and suitable housing—the primary drivers behind the migration toward major cities in pursuit of a better quality of life. To achieve this, statistical analysis was conducted on empirical data gathered from a sample of local university youth. The results indicate that approximately 75% of respondents prefer to leave the region: roughly 30% favour relocating to Tripoli, followed by Misrata (25%), Benghazi (13%), and Al-Khums (7%). Furthermore, the findings reveal that economic factors constitute the primary driver of outward migration to major urban centres, alongside social factors and the availability of services.