Building a sense of belonging in students is crucial for their academic success and well-being. But it doesn’t happen by chance – we need to cultivate it by providing opportunities for connection, collaboration and shared purpose.
At our university, the Student League plays an essential role in student representation at institutional and national levels. We organise training sessions and awareness campaigns on student representation; coordinate electoral processes for all student seats in faculty councils, the university senate and specialised committees; and ensure continuous dialogue with decision‑makers.
To make all of this run smoothly, we rely on clear structures, shared responsibility and a culture of trust. Our work is organised through dedicated teams – each with a specific focus such as training, elections, communication or policy – while regular coordination meetings ensure everyone stays aligned.
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We also invest in capacity‑building so that every student representative feels confident in their role and understands how their voice contributes to the bigger picture. None of this happens in isolation: we maintain open channels with university leadership, faculty councils and national bodies so that student perspectives are consistently present where decisions are made.
For anyone looking to build something similar, start by creating simple, transparent processes that students can easily engage with. Prioritise training and mentorship, because empowered representatives become your strongest advocates. Most importantly, nurture a sense of community among your members. When students feel they belong to something meaningful, they show up, they participate and they help the organisation grow in ways you can’t plan for on paper.
We also participate in the activities of the national federation that the league is part of, attending national student congresses and advocating for students’ rights, so that their needs are consistently prioritised and negotiated. Through these efforts, students’ voices are not only heard but also actively shape policies and practices within the university and beyond.
Build a volunteer force
Volunteering within the league offers students experience in leadership and communication, as well as the chance to participate in the university’s decision-making process.
Getting students involved in volunteering starts with meeting them where they already are. We make our presence visible in everyday community spaces, like the student cafe, the sports field, during cultural events, so students can see the league’s members as approachable and invested in student life. We follow up with personal invitations, helping students to see how much their contribution will matter.
We also design volunteering roles that are flexible and meaningful. Some students want to lead projects; others prefer helping behind the scenes. By offering a variety of ways to participate – short‑term tasks, event‑based roles or longer commitments – we make it easy for students to find something that fits their interests and schedules. And once they join, we make sure they feel supported: through mentorship, training and a warm community that celebrates their efforts. In the end, students stay involved not because they have to, but because they feel part of something that reflects their values and enriches their university experience.
Venture beyond campus
Each year at our university, we organise extracurricular activities, such as free student camping trips to picturesque locations across Romania. These trips bring together students with outstanding academic achievements and those facing social or financial difficulties. The mix is intentional because it encourages student interactions, giving them the chance to swap perspectives and form new friendships.
These trips reduce students’ feelings of isolation, boost self-confidence and create support networks that can last throughout their academic journey, according to feedback. We start by choosing accessible destinations, where students can disconnect from academic pressure and reconnect with themselves and each other. Logistics matter just as much as the scenery: safe transport, reliable accommodation and a schedule that balances structured activities with free time all contribute to a positive experience. We also make sure that participation is easy and inclusive by keeping the sign‑up process simple and communicating early about what students need to bring.
For anyone looking to set up similar trips, the most important advice is to design them around people, not programmes. Create opportunities for students to talk, cook together, explore in small groups or simply sit around a campfire. These unplanned moments often become the heart of the experience. Build a team of organisers who are attentive, approachable and ready to support students throughout the journey.
Gather feedback after each trip. Students will tell you what worked, what didn’t and what made them feel connected – insights that will help you refine the next adventure and strengthen the sense of community you’re trying to build.
Turn events into traditions
Beyond its representative function, the league coordinates a rich portfolio of cultural, social and educational initiatives. These include multicultural evenings that celebrate diversity on campus, seasonal traditions such as “Share a Mărțișor”, film nights and thematic events marking Easter and Christmas. We also organise award ceremonies for volunteers on International Volunteer Day or International Students’ Day.
To coordinate all these activities, we rely on careful planning, teamwork and a strong network of student volunteers. Each event has a small organising group responsible for logistics, communication and partnerships, while the league provides overall coordination to ensure consistency and quality. A shared calendar, regular check‑ins and clear task distribution help us stay organised throughout the academic year.
The most valuable advice is to start with events that feel authentic to your community. Choose themes that resonate with students and build from there. Keep the format simple at first – small gatherings, informal celebrations or collaborative workshops – and let them grow naturally as interest increases. Make sure students are involved at every stage, from brainstorming ideas to running the event on the day; their creativity and enthusiasm are your greatest assets.
Don’t underestimate the power of atmosphere. A welcoming space, warm communication and a sense of shared purpose can turn even a modest event into a memorable tradition that strengthens the fabric of student life.
In this age of change for higher education, one truth remains certain: students can reach their highest potential when they feel they belong to an inclusive community.
The most important starting point is clarity of purpose. Define what your league stands for, what needs it will address and how it will complement existing structures. A strong foundation helps students understand those aims and encourages them to get involved. From there, invest in building a core team of motivated students and give them ownership. Their enthusiasm will set the tone for the entire initiative.
Another tip is to create simple, transparent processes from the beginning: clear election procedures, well‑defined roles and accessible communication channels. These structures build trust and make it easier for students to participate confidently. At the same time, give the league room to grow organically. Encourage creativity, support student‑led ideas and celebrate early successes, no matter how small.
Finally, prioritise collaboration. A student league thrives when it works hand‑in‑hand with university leadership, academic departments and external partners. When students feel heard and supported, the league becomes not just an organisation, but a vibrant engine of community life that strengthens the entire institution.
Denisa-Georgiana Nistor is vice-president of the Student League of Valahia University.
GenAI was used in the writing of this piece.
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