Nipping early student attrition in the bud.
The first few weeks and months at university can be a challenging time for many students. For some, it’s the first time they’ve lived away from home; for international students, it often means adapting to a new country and culture. Students must quickly make new friends, navigate significant challenges, become financially independent, and adjust to higher academic expectations.
Despite media portrayals of wild, carefree Freshers’ Weeks filled with fun and socialising, the reality can be quite different. For many, this period can be isolating and overwhelming. It’s no surprise, then, that figures from the Student Loans Company reveal a 28% increase in the number of students dropping out of university. Further data from the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education indicate that the primary reasons for early departure are mental health struggles, closely followed by financial distress.
Monitoring attendance is also a critical responsibility for institutions with international students, so having the resources and capacity to reach out to and check in on them is essential.
So, what can universities do to tackle this critical issue?
Over the past 15 years, there has been a significant increase in on-campus student support, wellbeing initiatives, and mental health resources. However, despite these efforts, attrition rates continue to rise.
At UniQuest, we’ve found that early intervention is key. A simple check-in with students during those crucial first weeks of their course can make all the difference. We engage with students through a variety of channels, including WhatsApp, email, SMS, and phone calls. Based on the outcomes of these interactions, students who are most at risk can be referred to an escalated service, where a dedicated university staff member provides the necessary support to help them stay on track.
In addition to concerns about student welfare, UK higher education institutions are also grappling with severe financial pressures. With universities facing unprecedented deficits, it is more important than ever to save money and enhance profitability. A robust student retention strategy is essential, and UniQuest Retain offers a cost-effective solution that can seamlessly integrate into existing workflows.
Our compassionate and experienced team are on hand waiting to support your students to continue their studies one conversation at a time.
If you want to know about how we can help you improve your student retention strategy and prevent attrition book a call with one of our specialists today.
