Survey shows facilities a key factor in students’ choice of university
Research released by AUDE shows that facilities are key for two thirds of UK students when choosing university, with the library being cited as the most used university facility. Some 85% of the 2,000 surveyed say they are learning, socialising and living in clean and well maintained university buildings.
CATS: The inspiring journey of a young man’s triumph over adversity
Earlier this year Efficiency Exchange published a blog by Ellie Dunstone, a student at the University of Cambridge who is involved with the CATS student society there. In this blog, James Adams, the founder of CATS, shares his personal journey of how CATS developed. Like we saw with Ben Stone, founder of Student Coin, James saw an opportunity to create more value in his university life, not just for him, but others too. CATS benefits students physically through raising awareness of signs and symptoms or cancer aswell as providing valuable skills that can enhance the employability of their volunteers.
Developing student and staff personas: a practical guide
If you want to be sure you're meeting the demands of your stakeholders as they use your services, creating personas to identify their needs will help sharpen your focus. As consultant Jean Mutton explains, it's a technique that's becoming more widely used and it needn't be a difficult process.
Vegan and Vegetarian Society at the University of Stirling
As part of our Student experience series we hear from students who have recognised a need for support and changes to be made within their campus. Students at Stirling University set up the Vegan and Vegetarian society to broaden the food choices in their canteen . University can be more than the course.
A focus on student mental health services: Nightline
In the last of our Student Mental Health and wellbeing series, this blog focuses on Nightline, a student support service run by volunteer students, which provides help during out of work hours. We look at why these support services are much needed and which steps that can be taken to set up a Night line on campus.
Six ways to give students a warmer welcome
First impressions count, which means welcome communications are among the most important we will send to our students. Based on a recent overhaul at Lancaster University, Luke Davis offers his top tips.
Split in dropout rate trends across UK – HESA
Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveals slight increase in dropout rates in England and Wales generally, though Scotland and Northern Ireland saw a decline in the number of students not completing their courses.
Student communications: cutting through the noise
Keeping students informed about life at university is complex but Suzanne Wigley of the University of Derby likes a challenge. She shares what they've been doing to ensure students have the information they need and also reveals what didn't quite work.
Service design for universities
Sometimes solutions are under our noses - you just need the right approach to unlock them. In this post, consultant Jean Mutton explains service design, which she says is for anyone who often thinks "there must be a better way".
Using students to help stop students dropping out
Who better to ask about why students drop out than students themselves? Jamie Rawsthorne was in his first year at the University of West of England when he met with vice chancellor Steve West to see how he could help prevent students leaving before the end of their courses. The result was the start of his company Unique Insights. Jamie explains why and how he took on the retention challenge.
