Student life

How to support students beyond the classroom. Here you'll find resources to direct student services, foster well-being and build inclusive campus communities 

How can we help students manage frustration and build resilience?

Help students not to become discouraged by poor exam results by instilling a growth mindset, helping them plan their time and encouraging self-reflection

Agustina Ortelli

Universidad Austral

THE podcast: how can universities ensure students are safe and supported?

A discussion of universities’ duty of care towards students, from tackling sexual misconduct to ensuring they feel supported in their studies

Rachel Fenton, Catherine Moran

University of Exeter, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

What do students want from higher education?

Student satisfaction runs much deeper than excellent academic credentials. Find out how to attract new intake by focusing on what they really want from the university experience

Pete Moss

Ellucian

A guide to supporting student parents at university: part three

In the final piece in her series, Andy Todd explores ways personal tutors can help their tutees transition into university smoothly

Andy Todd

University of Chester

A guide to supporting student parents at university: part two

The second in a three-part series provides detailed, practical guidance on how student parents can be supported to succeed at UK universities

Andy Todd

University of Chester

A guide to supporting student parents at university: part one

The first in a three-part series provides an overview on how student parents can be supported to succeed at UK universities

Andy Todd

University of Chester

Build healthy resident student communities with restorative practice

The integration of restorative practices within student residential communities can have a transformational impact

Gemma Edgar

The University of Newcastle, Australia

Building a parent-friendly campus: practical considerations

Including parents in the academic experience can help build a stronger campus community and set students on a path towards success

Poornima Panduranga Kundapur

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

How to help a student in mental health distress

Students are particularly vulnerable to mental health struggles, and exam time can be especially stressful. Here’s how to help in an emergency and how to offer long-term support

Norlin Nosbi, Nurul Azhani Yunus, Mazian Mohammad, Abdul Rahim Othman

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

Educate to empower your students and prevent harassment

To make campus safer, why not teach first-year students the principles of harassment prevention? Here’s how

Dinara Pisareva, Nikita Durnev

Nazarbayev University

Three ways to support the post-pandemic mental health of Generation Z

Post-pandemic, students are still struggling with their mental health. Here are three ways to help

Sumbal Riaz, Aena Khan

Dubai Medical College for Girls

Childcare for students and academics needs resources and relationships

Handling a challenging academic workload along with parenting responsibilities is complicated. Support, connection to resources and access to reliable childcare are all needed for parenting students and professionals to succeed

Kim Thomason

Virginia Tech

Balancing books and babies: empowering graduate-student parents

Juggling academics with family responsibilities is complicated. Barbara Hoopes shares advice on supporting and empowering graduate students who are parents

Barbara Hoopes

Virginia Tech

First-day-of-term tips: a checklist

Here are some steps to take to ensure the first few weeks of term go smoothly for yourself and your students

Kalpana Gupta

University of Colorado Boulder

Developing an effective orientation programme for families and friends

Bring families and friends into the onboarding process to ease first-year students into university life

Kareina Cadel

Dalhousie University

Science-backed mental health techniques for students’ well-being

University students have long struggled with academic pressure, social media demands, economic challenges and career uncertainty. This technique uses language and body awareness to help students cope and reset

Erica Coates

Virginia Tech

How student learning communities support professional development

An effective way to nurture talent is to enable not only individual but also community learning. Here’s how the Hungarian system of colleges for advanced studies helps to train medical professionals who are also well versed in social issues

Ferenc Godó

Semmelweis University

Making sport accessible to everyone on campus

Fitness and sport programmes are not only for elite athletes. Here, Phil Malatesta offers advice for how to maximise students’ opportunities for movement and physical activity

Phil Malatesta

University of Southampton

Balancing career readiness and finances: the case for abbreviated internships

Internships give students professional experience, guide career choices and boost job market competitiveness. But what if students need higher-paying summer jobs or can’t afford three months in a far-flung city? That’s where abbreviated winter internships come in

Margarita McGrath

Virginia Tech

Mind your language: inclusive teaching for international students

Learning about your international students and being mindful about how you use language in classes can have a profound impact on students’ experience and attainment

Mark Whalley

University of Chester

Recognising and dealing with bullying on college campuses

It’s not realistic to expect all contempt to instantly vanish when you respond, but it will certainly persist if you don’t respond, writes Elizabeth K. Englander

Elizabeth K. Englander

Bridgewater State University

Transforming mental health in South African universities: the promise of AI chatbots

Artificial intelligence can offer promise for student mental health services in Africa. AI-driven chatbots can provide a nonjudgemental, readily available, cost-effective avenue for individuals to access information, support and guidance, writes Matete Madiba

Matete Madiba

University of the Western Cape

What you can do today for a meaningful Pride Month

Fear of being tokenistic, or feeling they don’t know enough to start, can stop many people from engaging with queer inclusion. Here, Brooke Szücs offers first steps towards allyship

Brooke Szücs

The University of Queensland

Campus life is entering a new era, but don’t forget the human touch

With the acceleration of technology, the university experience is changing. As academics, it’s up to us to guide our students through this new normal of learning, navigating information and socialising, writes Nazlihasri Abdul Rahman

Nazlihasri Abdul Rahman

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

Non-verbal cues: learn how to use them effectively in teacher-student communication

If the end goal is to get students interested in the learning process, these non-verbal cues used in teacher-student communication can enable you to build trust and enhance your impact as a teacher and a communicator, writes Shruthi V. Shetty

Shruthi V Shetty

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Partner with your students to build belonging on campus

By actively fostering belonging through the strategies outlined in this resource, universities can cultivate a more holistic and supportive environment where all students can thrive, both academically and personally

Tom Ritchie, Adam Alcock

The University of Warwick

From prams to postgraduate degrees: how universities can support student parents

Educators play a crucial role in getting student parents the support they need. Mia Burleigh, drawing on her own experience, offers seven tips

Mia Burleigh

University of the West of Scotland

Eleven ways to support international students who use English as a second language

We must all work to foster a compassionate and encouraging experience for our international student community

Peter O'Rourke

University of Exeter

Student standing outside a campus building

How to build inclusive mentorship programmes for Black students

To create inclusive mentorship programmes for Black university students, we must ensure they are culturally relevant, address unique challenges and foster peer support

Patrice Seuwou

University of Northampton

A group of students chatting in a study area

Using the Snowflake Method to build belonging on campus

To build a sense of belonging, institutions must create a tailored programme to match the needs of their unique demographic and local environment

Sarah Bishop

Teesside University

Student sitting at a desk at the library on his laptop

Student communication: a compassionate approach

Compassionate student communication that ensures engagement is personal and unique to each student could enhance the university experience

James Gray

Kortext

Students walking up a staircase in an old university building

Digital marketing for universities: strategies for success

University marketing teams can increase their visibility and attract a diverse applicant pool by using contemporary strategies, writes Archana R. Nayak

Archana R. Nayak

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

How to create extracurricular activities students will want to attend

Participation and enthusiasm are the goals of those hard-working volunteers, staff and faculty who organise campus activities and events. Here are 12 tips to boost university student engagement

Martyna Iwanicka

University of Warsaw

Student paying for something online using her debit card

How to support your students while living costs remain high

As the cost of living remains high, universities are spending millions of pounds on additional support for students. Maddy Godin explores some key guiding principles for helping students to thrive in their studies amid financial pressures

Maddy Godin

Russell Group

Creating an impactful social group for neurodivergent students

Meet-ups can support neurodivergent students (mostly those with autism and ADHD) to navigate the social complexities of student life and the workplace. Here, Brooke Szücs and Ben Roden-Cohen share tips for creating inclusive neurodivergent settings, based on their experience

Ben Roden-Cohen, Brooke Szücs

The University of Queensland

A robot hand takes a survey using emoji faces

How AI can revolutionise the way we analyse student surveys

Student surveys provide a potential goldmine of data. Kirsty Bryant suggests deploying AI to maximise your insight

Kirsty Bryant

University of Westminster

A group of Gen Z students gaze at their phones

We need to empathise with the students of today to shape the minds of tomorrow

Are today’s students too disrespectful and aggressive to be taught? Azlan B. Ahmad offers his advice on dealing with Gen Z

Azlan B. Ahmad

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

University student in wheelchair in study group

Disability, discrimination and redress: how to guide your students through the process of asking for reasonable adjustments

Students with disabilities are often dependent on the attitude and understanding of their lecturers and support staff. Here is advice on supporting requests for reasonable adjustments in the university environment

Kate Armond

Senior lecturer

On the neurodivergent campus, language matters

The neurodiversity movement has made great strides, but out-of-date, ableist language is still prevalent, even in academia. Carrie Ballantyne advises us to think about the words we use

Carrie Ballantyne

University of the West of Scotland

Empowering ambition: student affairs’ role in supporting women students

Student affairs departments, often the heartbeat of campus life and well-being, can significantly influence the personal and professional development of women university students. Here, Frances Keene looks at proven ways to nurture and support female students

Frances Keene

Virginia Tech

THE podcast: how to turn university students into engaged citizens – and voters

Political scientists, in the US and the UK, discuss how universities can support Generation Z to engage with the democratic process, how to foster safe and open political discussion and why voting is like bungee jumping

Elizabeth C. Matto, Michael Bruter

Rutgers University, The London School of Economics and Political Science

Counsellor taking notes while speaking to a student

Tackling the campus mental health crisis has to be a team sport

Tackling the campus mental health crisis requires a collaborative approach with healthcare providers, student support professionals and educators working together, writes Ruth Bauer White

Ruth Bauer White

InsideTrack

Making higher education accessible for students with unmet financial need

Rising costs of college leave many students struggling to afford higher education. And we know that enhancing the affordability of going to university is critical for realising students’ potential and elevating lives and livelihoods for generations to come, writes Matt Holt

Matt Holt

Virginia Tech

Young woman with US cash and mobile phone, financial difficulty

How to support students when financial aid falls short

When students lack money for books, transport or even food, universities have ways to help them manage and stay on track with their studies. Jerry Price looks at strategies for assisting students in financial need

Jerry Price

Chapman University

A food pantry can help support your campus through the cost-of-living crisis

Food insecurity and hunger affect students’ mental and physical well-being as well as their academic performance. Karina Escobar, Fatima deCarvalho and Lauren Dinour offer advice on establishing a successful community food pantry

Lauren Dinour, Fatima deCarvalho, Karina Escobar

Montclair State University

Pile of gold coins with a tree growing out of it

The first step towards supporting students with finances is to encourage them to speak up

Institutions can help students confront and overcome obstacles to their academic success by breaking down societal taboos, providing counselling services and cultivating peer support networks

Rashmi Yogesh Pai

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Changing campus protests from disruptions to learning opportunities

Higher education leaders should use student activism to develop leadership and negotiation skills, argue Blair Glaser and Richard Nodell

Blair Glaser, Richard Nodell

Independent consultant

Nourishing bodies and minds: the vital role of a student food pantry

The rising costs of education and living expenses leave many students struggling to stretch their funds to cover basic necessities. In this landscape, the university’s student food bank can offer a lifeline, writes Isabelle Largen

Isabelle Largen

Virginia Tech

How to attract students who think they cannot afford higher education

As people all over the world grapple with rising costs, what can universities do to ease the financial burden of higher education from the very start of the process? Brooke Wilson offers her advice

Brooke Wilson

Colorado State University Global

Creating safe spaces for students to talk about financial difficulties

Poor financial health can lead to mental health difficulties and isolation for students. Here, Caroline Deylaud Koukabi and Joanna West offer tips for giving students inclusive spaces to discuss concerns amid the cost-of-living crisis

Caroline Deylaud Koukabi, Joanna West

University of Luxembourg

Student life

.css-1ndcrd1{overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;max-height:108px;text-indent:0px;}How can we help students manage frustration and build resilience?

THE podcast: how can universities ensure students are safe and supported?

What do students want from higher education?

A guide to supporting student parents at university: part three

A guide to supporting student parents at university: part two

A guide to supporting student parents at university: part one

Build healthy resident student communities with restorative practice

Building a parent-friendly campus: practical considerations

How to help a student in mental health distress

Educate to empower your students and prevent harassment

Three ways to support the post-pandemic mental health of Generation Z

Childcare for students and academics needs resources and relationships

Balancing books and babies: empowering graduate-student parents

First-day-of-term tips: a checklist

Developing an effective orientation programme for families and friends

Science-backed mental health techniques for students’ well-being

How student learning communities support professional development

Making sport accessible to everyone on campus

Balancing career readiness and finances: the case for abbreviated internships

Mind your language: inclusive teaching for international students

Recognising and dealing with bullying on college campuses

Transforming mental health in South African universities: the promise of AI chatbots

What you can do today for a meaningful Pride Month

Campus life is entering a new era, but don’t forget the human touch

Non-verbal cues: learn how to use them effectively in teacher-student communication

Partner with your students to build belonging on campus

From prams to postgraduate degrees: how universities can support student parents

Eleven ways to support international students who use English as a second language

How to build inclusive mentorship programmes for Black students

Using the Snowflake Method to build belonging on campus

Student communication: a compassionate approach

Digital marketing for universities: strategies for success

How to create extracurricular activities students will want to attend

How to support your students while living costs remain high

Creating an impactful social group for neurodivergent students

How AI can revolutionise the way we analyse student surveys

We need to empathise with the students of today to shape the minds of tomorrow

Disability, discrimination and redress: how to guide your students through the process of asking for reasonable adjustments

On the neurodivergent campus, language matters

Empowering ambition: student affairs’ role in supporting women students

THE podcast: how to turn university students into engaged citizens – and voters

Tackling the campus mental health crisis has to be a team sport

Making higher education accessible for students with unmet financial need

How to support students when financial aid falls short

A food pantry can help support your campus through the cost-of-living crisis

The first step towards supporting students with finances is to encourage them to speak up

Changing campus protests from disruptions to learning opportunities

Nourishing bodies and minds: the vital role of a student food pantry

How to attract students who think they cannot afford higher education

Creating safe spaces for students to talk about financial difficulties

How can we help students manage frustration and build resilience?