Enrolment conversion &amp; soft-landing insights

Jun 12, 2026 3 min min read

Why Some Students Struggle to Connect Even After Arriving

A student arrives on campus after months of anticipation. They have already joined the university's online community. They know what accommodation they'll be staying in. They've spoken to future classmates, attended virtual events, and maybe even made a few friends before boarding the plane.

Jun 02, 2026 3 min min read

What a ‘Good Start’ Actually Looks Like for Students

Universities often define a “good start” in ways that are measurable. Orientation attendance, class participation, document submission, and digital check-ins all help paint a picture of student readiness. But while these metrics might signal organisation, they don’t always reflect how students actually feel as they begin.

Apr 15, 2026 3 min min read

From Offer to Belonging: How SRH Haarlem Built a Connected Student Community Before Day One

SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences is known for its welcoming and international atmosphere, where students from around the world come together to learn and grow. Yet, turning accepted students into an engaged community before they even stepped on campus wasn’t easy.

Apr 15, 2026 3 min min read

Connection that converts at Bangor University

Bangor University partnered with Uni-Life with one clear aim: increase conversion from offer-holder to enrolled student.

Feb 04, 2026 3 min min read

The inside track: what students really learn from each other before university starts

The first time a student prepares for university rarely looks like a checklist. Before they read a welcome guide or open a handbook, they are already deep in research, only it does not come from the university. It comes from each other.

Feb 02, 2026 3 min min read

Why verified student voices matter more than ever

The post-offer period is a milestone worth celebrating, but for international students, it often comes with a side of stress.

Jan 31, 2026 3 min min read

BUas Student Life: Everything in One Place

This is where Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) started with Uni-Life: a campus-wide social home for current students. The success here paved the way for the later pre-enrolment rollout.

Before day one: how BUas helps offer-holders find each other

After strong results with current students, BUas moved upstream, giving future students a social home where connection starts early and confidence follows.

From Applications to Connection: SETU’s Early-Engagement Story

South East Technological University (SETU) found themselves in a situation many universities know all too well: applications were rolling in, but enrolments weren’t keeping up. “While application numbers were growing, we faced a challenge in converting those into actual enrolments,” said Dr Colm Walsh, SETU’s Global Business Development Manager.

Engagement that moves enrolment at Huddersfield

Huddersfield’s international recruitment was generating strong interest, but the team lacked a scalable way to nurture offer-holders in the crucial pre-arrival window. A previous peer-to-peer community had been trialled, but it relied on staff to seed and sustain activity.

UCC’s Student-Led Community Before Arrival

University College Cork (UCC) is a large and lively university with over 26,000 students from over 100 countries. UCC offers hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses spanning many disciplines. Traditionally, the majority of pre‑arrival communication for offer holders was delivered via email and webinars. There was a gap in the absence of a student‑to‑student digital space, even though instant peer connection is vital to decision‑making.

From First Question to First Friend: How Students Build Trust Online

Before the university experience begins in full, before the first lecture, the first night out, or even the first arrival at accommodation, students are already trying to find their place. For many, especially international students, digital spaces like Uni-Life become the first step toward that.

Reading the Signals: What Student Posts Reveal About Their Needs

How universities can use real student behaviour to improve conversion, confidence, and early belongingAt first glance, a student’s post in an online community might seem casual. “Is anyone else flying from Amsterdam on the 15th?” or “Where can I get a SIM card?”

One University, Two Entry Points: How Start Dates Shape Experience

The start of a new calendar year is often framed as are set. For universities, it’s a moment to refocus priorities and lookahead.

What Students Really Talk About - And What Universities Should Pay Attention To

Every year, thousands of students make the leap into a new city, a new university, and a completely new life. And before their first lecture even begins, they’re already talking - asking questions, introducing themselves, sharing worries, and trying to find their place.

The Uni-Life Impact of Fall 2025

Every autumn, universities face the same challenge: helping incoming students bridge the gap between receiving an offer and starting their studies. Those months can be filled with excitement, but also uncertainty - especially for international students preparing to study abroad for the first time.

Oct 23, 2025 4 min min read

Making International Student Programs Stronger: Why We Need More Data

With more and more countries limiting the influx of international students, the question arises whether there is sufficient data to determine the influence of internationals on the local economies and societies.

Oct 23, 2025 5 min min read

Why Early Engagement is the Key to Student Success

Picture this: a student begins their university journey filled with excitement, eager to dive into new experiences. But just a few weeks later, they find themselves overwhelmed by the workload and isolated from the university community.

Oct 23, 2025 5 min min read

"If You Ain't Dutch, You Ain't Much" – The New International Student Policy in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has long been a popular destination for tens of thousands of international students. In recent years, this number has surged, with many students choosing to attend Dutch universities or "hogescholen" (universities of applied sciences).

Oct 23, 2025 3 min min read

The Student Engagement Crisis: Why Universities are losing the Enrolment Battle

The numbers don’t lie—university enrollment is in decline. Between 2010 and 2021, colleges and universities collectively experienced a 15% drop in enrollment across the U.S., and similar trends are appearing globally NPR.

Jun 22, 2025 3 min min read

The Hidden Cost of Dropouts

It’s obvious to all that a student dropping out of university is a bad thing. The university loses tuition fees and the student has likely wasted some of their time and money, although it is critical to understand that dropouts start happening from the pre-arrival stage.

Apr 02, 2025 4 min min read

Understanding the Student Recruitment Funnel: Step 3 – The Applicant

Applicants represent the third stage of the Student Recruitment Funnel. At this stage, students are no longer browsing—they’re selecting universities and beginning their applications.

Apr 02, 2025 3 MINS min read

5 key benefits of working abroad

Maybe you have doubts or think it is a big step to start working abroad. Is this something for me? Do I really dare to? These are questions that may be running through your head, which is totally understandable! From our own experience, we can tell you that working abroad is a great experience you won't regret.

Apr 02, 2025 3 min min read

Student Recruitment: Gen Z & The Value of Genuine Connections

In marketing, it’s all about making a connection—people gravitate toward brands and messages that feel relevant and real.

Apr 02, 2025 3 min min read

Trends Shaping Education in 2025

As traditional education powerhouses face growing competition, it’s clear that institutions must adapt quickly to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.

News

Studyportals Acquires Uni-Life to leverage Peer 2 Peer Community and Support the Full Student Journey

Studyportals, the global education-choice platform, announced the acquisition of Uni-Life, a peer-to-peer engagement platform that fosters student connections before and after enrolment to optimise student retention, welfare and conversion.

Mar 10, 2025 3 min min read

Feb 26, 2025 4 min min read

Understanding the Student Recruitment Funnel: Step 4 – The Decision-Maker

After months—sometimes years—of research, applications, and waiting, students finally reach the Decision Maker stage of the Student Recruitment Funnel. At this point, they’re holding multiple offers, weighing their options, and preparing to make a final decision and commit to their future university.

Feb 18, 2025 4 min min read

Understanding the Student Recruitment Funnel: Step 2 – The Inquirer

Inquirers represent the second stage of the student recruitment funnel. At this stage, they are seeking clarity, reassurance, and engagement. For universities, this presents a crucial opportunity to build trust and provide the right support to guide students towards applying.

Feb 18, 2025 3 min min read

Understanding the Student Recruitment Funnel: Step 1 – The Explorer

The journey to choosing a university begins long before a student submits an application. This blog is the first step in The Student Recruitment Funnel, a four-part series that explores how student decision-making evolves over time.

Nov 06, 2024 7 min min read

Bridging the Engagement Gap: Keeping Students Committed Between Acceptance and Enrollment

For universities today, the time between a student’s acceptance and their official enrollment is crucial. Known as “enrollment melt,” this period can lead to lost opportunities if universities don’t keep students engaged.

Oct 25, 2024 5 min min read

International Studies: So, Where Are You Still Welcome?

You’re almost done with high school, ready to take the next big step: studying abroad. Everyone’s told you it’s the best thing ever – new cultures, new languages, a global mindset. But when you actually start looking into where you can go, reality hits.

Oct 24, 2024 3 min min read

Why International Students Are Increasingly Applying to Multiple Destinations

The world of international education is getting more complicated. With changing visa regulations, rising costs, and the drive to maximize opportunities, students are applying to multiple universities across different countries like never before.

Oct 19, 2024 4 min min read

The Future of International Student Recruitment: A Focus on Outcomes

As the education world keeps evolving, one thing is becoming crystal clear: students care about what happens after graduation. More than ever, they’re choosing where to study based on how well it prepares them for their future careers.

Oct 15, 2024 4 min min read

The Future of Student Events: Building Connections in a Divided World

University life is about more than just hitting the books—it’s a unique time to meet new people and form lasting friendships. In a world that often feels divided, student events play a crucial role in bringing individuals together from diverse backgrounds.

Oct 14, 2024 5 min min read

How Dutch Universities Are Going Green – And What Students Are Doing About It

Across the Netherlands, universities are taking significant strides toward becoming more sustainable. Every major institution now has a dedicated sustainability or Green Team, which plays a key role in organizing events, workshops, and lectures that promote eco-friendly practices on campus.

Oct 10, 2024 4 min min read

What Students Really Consider When Choosing a University: The Role of Student Life and More

Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions students will make, and it’s rarely an easy one. While academics and finances are usually at the top of the list, there’s a lot more that goes into making the perfect choice.

News

The Impact of Community Building on Study Abroad Aspirations

Have you ever pictured yourself surrounded by classmates from across the globe, excitedly dissecting a lecture in a bustling cafe, a symphony of accents and laughter filling the air?

May 23, 2024 5 min min read

Nov 13, 2023 4 min min read

What is the Impact of Education Management on Student Retention and Graduation Rates?

Education management, when done effectively, is like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that all the elements harmonize to create a beautiful melody. Through better education management, universities can ensure that their students not only enroll but thrive, grow, and graduate successfully. It's not just about numbers and statistics; it's about shaping the future of each student.

Oct 30, 2023 5 min min read

Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars as a University Student

The university experience is a dynamic time in a student's life, where learning also happens beyond the classroom. University can be a fulfilling experience where students develop not only academically, but also socially and personally.

Oct 09, 2023 5 min min read

Stress Management Techniques Every Student Should Know

Discover practical stress-busting strategies tailored for students. Understand your stressors, embrace mindfulness, time management, and healthy habits. Stay resilient throughout your academic journey. You're not alone – your university community is here to support you! 🌟 #StudentLife #StressManagement #Wellbeing #UniLife

Student Retention

From Orientation to Graduation: A Student Retention Journey

Student retention is key for higher education institutions. Not only is it a reflection of the university’s commitment to student success and engagement, but also ensures financial stability through steady tuition revenue while maintaining a positive reputation. We believe that universities should invest in creating a space where students don't just arrive but thrive, grow, and conquer their academic goals.

Sep 20, 2023 5 min min read

Sep 08, 2023 7 min min read

The Power of Student Onboarding: Strategies for a Warm Welcome

Discover the power of effective student onboarding. This blog post will review critical strategies to elevate the student experience and boost satisfaction.

Sep 08, 2023 3-4 min min read

6 Effective Strategies for Student Recruitment in Higher Education

Discover impactful student recruitment strategies that resonate with students today. From personalized journeys to alumni connections, learn how to create a vibrant campus culture that attracts and retains students. Elevate your institution's approach with authenticity and engagement.

Ed Tech Trends

How Universities can use ChatGPT to Improve the Student Experience

As a university, it can be important as well as challenging to always keep up with the latest technologies. ChatGPT can come in handy in this regard. It is an emerging technology that can make a valuable contribution to improving the student experience. Can ChatGPT also be a valuable tool to improve the general student experience at a university?

Sep 08, 2023 8 MINS min read

Sep 08, 2023 2 MINS min read

What are the most popular university studies in The Netherlands?

Are you looking for a university study, but not too sure which direction you want to go yet? We have created an overview of the 3 most popular university studies in the Netherlands. Perhaps the most followed studies could also be an interesting direction for you to pursue!

Student Retention

Which studies in The Netherlands have the highest dropout rates?

Among all university studies in the Netherlands, some degrees have a much higher dropout rate than others. In this article we will discuss the studies that have the highest dropout rate and what the possible causes are.

Sep 08, 2023 2 MINS min read

The most important checks before your arrival

Starting university is an exciting and transformative experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. To make sure you don’t get out of the car, train or plane and instantly arrive with any unpleasant surprises, here are some of the most important practicalities to take care of before leaving.

Preparing for University during the Summer

Starting university can be an exciting yet daunting experience, and as summer is approaching the start of your first academic year is starting to get in sight. Although your first lecture is still months away, what are some things that you can actually start doing?

Behind the Scenes of College Admissions: What Really Matters

Colleges and universities receive countless applications every year, making the admissions process an incredibly difficult task. What are the key indicators of future success? Are good grades in high school a guarantee that students will also perform well in college? How important are extracurricular activities?

Why Alumni Are More Than Just a Number: Unpacking the Enduring Impact of University Alumni on Campus and Beyond

Alumni are a vital part of any university community. Although they may no longer be roaming around the campus as they used to when they were students, they are still valued stakeholders of the institution. They provide a sense of continuity and tradition that connects current students with those who came before them. But universities also care about their alumni for more tangible reasons. Here are just a few of the ways that alumni impact their alma maters: