As remote learning remains a mainstay of the education sector, building student connections has become a priority for universities looking to increase student engagement.
In a recent survey by Australian research agency YouthInsight, more than 1000 students from Australia and New Zealand were asked about their connection and support at university, as part of Studiosity’s annual Student Wellbeing Survey.
The results showed that students called for increased peer support and connection at university across the board, with 14 per cent of students reporting feeling completely disconnected from their studies altogether.
Without these strong student connections, researchers are concerned that institutions are overlooking this growing population of isolated uni students, leading to a decline in academic achievement and course engagement, as well as higher stress levels.
The importance of student connections
The closures of campuses across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic left students feeling cut off from in-person emotional and academic support found on the campus, forcing many to continue their studies from the isolation of their own homes.
Now, two years after those closures, new and returning students are still finding their social footing as they journey through higher learning.
When asked how they feel about their student connections, an overwhelming majority of students (two out of three) said they wanted to build more relationships with their peers.
Only 15 per cent of students also reported feeling heavily connected to their peers, with 14 per cent of students surveyed reporting feeling completely disconnected.
Having a strong support network of like-minded peers has been proven to be vital in helping students stave off feelings of isolation as they journey into higher education.
According to the research agency, students with a strong sense of community are slightly less likely to experience weekly or more frequent stress (69 per cent) than those who did not have this community sense (77 per cent).
BY Helping prevent student burnout and promoting higher student retention rates, these peer connections allow students to realise they are not alone in experiencing the challenges of higher learning.
What can universities do?
When asked what would improve social connectedness at universities, surveyed students were quick to suggest events and activities that encouraged students to engage with each other outside the classroom.
According to the students themselves, an established social network is the number one incentive to form social connections. Suggestions from participants included improving access to social groups, clubs and societies for students of all ages and offering greater support for peer study groups.
When questioned about improving campus engagement, many surveyed students also suggested adding “more accessible extracurricular activities and social events”.
Other popular suggestions included providing students with free food, merchandise, concerts and free parking.
Younger students (18 – 25) had a stronger preference for in-person connection, while older students preferred a more flexible online experience.
YouthInsight researchers recommended that Universities consider the diverse needs of the entire student body, including the often overlooked 30+, part-time, online and remote students.
Programs suffer from a lack of awareness
Currently, only 30 per cent of students surveyed made use of their university’s peer support programs – with use being higher among those attending campus full-time or using mixed study modes.
The main cause of students failing to engage with peer support initiatives was reportedly a lack of awareness by students, with a whopping 30 per cent saying they weren’t aware of the programs.
19 per cent of students also reported feeling too self-conscious to engage, and a further 19 per cent were unsure how to reach out. Of those students who did not participate in a peer support program, one in three would have liked to.
The results highlight the apparent need for universities to better promote these programs while normalising access to these services and highlighting the benefits of participating.
YoughInsight researchers claim that, by offering a range of connection methods and better promotion of peer support programs, universities can help students of all ages and study modes build meaningful relationships to help them navigate the challenges of higher learning.
