University student life

How to support students beyond the classroom, in all facets of university life. Here you'll find resources to direct student services, foster well-being, support a rich extracurricular offering and build inclusive campus communities and student societies.

By Miranda Prynne , 19 September, 2023

Trauma-informed care within academic settings

A hand resting on a shoulder in a display of support and care

As awareness of trauma and its effects on individuals grows, Imogen Perkins delves into what it means to be trauma-informed, and how its five principles could look within an academic setting.

Reading time

3minutes

By dene.mullen , 15 September, 2023

New students leaving care need extra support to beat the odds (again)

Corin Barton says universities must recognise the various impacts a lack of family support can have on care-experienced students and offers simple steps to promote success

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 29 August, 2023

Perfect doesn’t exist and other lessons from developing a whole-university well-being strategy

Aerial view of students sitting on steps

Challenges to staff and student well-being are part of university life, regardless of how much support is in place. But iterative strategies can improve the entire community’s experience, write Ben Goose and Cassie Wilson

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 22 August, 2023

Supported social groups and student belonging: how do I get started?

Connecting students who share a lived experience such as bereavement, family estrangement or loneliness can help to foster a sense of community and belonging at university, explains Hannah Moore

Reading time

5minutes

By Miranda Prynne , 18 August, 2023

How to encourage students to engage in the broader university offering

Getting involved in campus life beyond the classroom brings multiple benefits for students, so how can universities encourage greater participation in the range of activities on offer?

By sara.custer , 17 August, 2023

Food insecurity and homelessness affect all our campuses. Here’s what we should do about it

An eviction notice on a student's rented accomodation

Nearly a quarter of undergraduate students will experience food and housing insecurity in the US. Sara Goldrick-Rab suggests ways faculty and institutions can intervene before it’s too late

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 15 August, 2023

A whole-campus approach to boost belonging for student success

Joint efforts among faculty, staff and students themselves can support first-year and transfer scholars to feel included and engaged, write Lorett Swank and Catherine Thomas

Reading time

5minutes

By Miranda Prynne , 4 August, 2023

How to create a home from home for students at university

A male student moving into his college bedroom

Supportive steps that a university can take to help students adjust to life away from home

Reading time

4minutes

By dene.mullen , 27 July, 2023

Five steps to support autistic students on their higher education journey

Teen with fingers on lips indicating a quiet space for autistic students

As we strive to create inclusive environments, it’s essential to implement strategies that assist and cater to the unique challenges faced by autistic students, says Jane Dashwood

Reading time

3minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 17 July, 2023

From cohort to community: how to support student-led initiatives

Building a strong cohort starts with supporting students directly. Here, we, as student and staff co-authors in the humanities, share insights on how to encourage solutions designed for students by students

Reading time

3minutes

University student life