Previously on our Summer Series…

We focused on enrolment, academia and community & engagement, 3 of the areas that most impact the student experience. This week, let’s focus on student well-being, which has become a top priority in recent years, especially with the global health, social and economic crisis.

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Positive student well-being and mental health are essential to a happy and healthy student life. As students face stress and pressure on a daily basis, they may suffer mental health issues. Academic struggles, social anxiety, homesickness… What strategies can you implement to support your students and make their lives easier?

What tools are you providing students to find a balance between their academic and personal lives? 

Students face rigorous coursework, exams, deadlines and competing commitments. Prioritising student well-being acknowledges the need for a healthy balance between academic rigour and self-care. How can you help students find this middle ground? Consider communicating on strategies to: 

• Manage stress
• Deal with deadlines 
• Find a work-life balance

When students feel supported in managing their academic responsibilities while also caring for their well-being, they can truly thrive and make the most of their educational journey.

Are you fostering an environment that cultivates emotional resilience? 

The university years are a time of personal growth, self-discovery and transition. Many students may face emotional challenges during this transformative period. What are the best practices to cultivate emotional resilience? Look to provide easy, digital access to mental health services, counselling and peer support networks in addition to face to face appointments. By giving students tools that are physically in their hands to navigate emotional challenges, you can empower them to overcome obstacles and build resilience wherever they are.

How are you building a sense of belonging?

Studies¹ have shown that students who feel like they belong to a community are more likely to engage with their studies, form meaningful relationships and embrace their learning experience.  To foster a supportive and inclusive community, make sure to: 

• Create spaces for connection 
• Promote diversity and inclusivity
• Organise social and cultural events

Foster a sense of belonging to encourage your students to bring their authentic selves to campus and flourish in their academic endeavours.

Do you provide opportunities to develop life and soft skills?

Taking care of your students’ well-being also means helping them prepare for their future professional and personal lives. It’s a great time to offer resources for personal growth and life skills development. You can for instance organise workshops on emotional intelligence, mindfulness or positive thinking. These skills will serve them well throughout their lives!

Are you collaborating with academic staff to create supportive learning environments? 

Student well-being is intricately connected to the learning environment and the quality of this directly influences students' emotional, social, and psychological state. 

A positive and supportive learning environment enhances student motivation, engagement, and academic performance. When students feel safe, valued, and supported, they are more likely to actively participate in discussions, take risks in their learning, and seek help when needed. Additionally, a conducive learning environment reduces stress and anxiety, allowing students to focus on their studies and succeed. 

You can create a supportive learning environment by:

• Implementing interactive and participatory teaching methods 
• Providing personalised feedback to students
• Encouraging collaboration (peer-to-peer and between students and the academic staff)

In summary, prioritising well-being is now a necessity for unlocking the full potential of the student experience. This critical aspect enhances students’ overall success, fosters resilience and promotes active engagement in their education.By recognising the importance of student well-being and making the simple-yet-effective improvements above, you will enable your students to thrive academically, personally and professionally. 

To learn more about all the critical aspects of the student experience, download our guide.

And stay tuned for our second-to-last article of our summer series next week! We’ll talk about communication and transparency.

¹ A sense of  belonging at university: student retention, motivation and enjoyment