What Drove Such High Activation Rates?

Engaging students early on is no easy task, and it’s understandable why some universities might doubt whether students will actually use a new platform. At Sussex, this concern was met head-on by understanding exactly what students want even before they set foot on campus.

Students preparing for their studies often share common concerns: they want to connect with others, meet new people, and feel reassured that they’re making the right choice. They’re eager to form friendships, explore new interests, and become part of a vibrant community that supports their personal and academic growth. Most importantly, having a familiar face to rely on can transform their experience from one of anxiety to excitement as they gear up for the challenges ahead.

Sussex tapped into these core desires by tailoring its community experience to meet students where they are. By focusing on a clear goal—helping students find their future classmates—Sussex was able to create a welcoming environment that resonated with students' needs and excitement.

This success was no accident. Sussex followed best practices and leveraged their collaboration with Goin’, a platform designed to engage and connect students with zero effort from the university’s staff. Through a carefully crafted communication strategy and engagement activities, Sussex ensured that students stayed connected and engaged. The result? A community that maximizes the effectiveness of Sussex’s efforts and sets the stage for sustained student involvement throughout their university journey.

The Value of Genuine Engagement

It’s important to acknowledge that not every student will join the platform—and that’s actually a good thing. When a student doesn’t engage with opportunities to connect with future classmates, even after multiple touch points, it signals a potential lack of commitment to enrolling. By identifying these students, Sussex can focus its recruitment efforts where they matter most, using data from Goin’ to prioritize those who are genuinely interested.

What’s more, once a student signs up on Goin’, their likelihood of enrolling significantly increases. This is because Goin harnesses the power of authentic connections—students move beyond simply joining; they actively engage, form friendships, and build a support network that makes them much more likely to follow through with their enrollment.

“I think it's a wonderful concept that introduces us to the people we are about to meet there. As it was going to be my first time traveling alone, I was apprehensive about the idea of studying abroad. And through this community,  I could see that there are people from all over the world. In my home country, they only speak French and Arabic, this is a great opportunity to practice all the languages I have learned (English, Spanish, Dutch). I already know a few people through this concept so far, so it will make my integration at Sussex easier!” - Kenza

“I thought this was a great idea. My previous university did not have anything like this so I was very happy that Sussex has this community. I think it's nice that I get to talk to other students long before I go to Sussex because it just makes my life easier stress or anxiety-wise. - Jazmin

“I think it is groundbreaking. Coming to the UK for the first time, l am afraid I have to learn alone in Sussex. Having the possibility to know others before embarking is huge and I love the community so much!” - Hughes 

Ready to Build a Thriving Student Community?

University of Sussex's milestone is a highlight to the power of understanding and meeting students’ needs. By providing multiple opportunities for students to connect with peers—both before and after they arrive on campus—Sussex has created a community that helps students feel prepared, less isolated, and more engaged throughout their university experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about how student engagement can enhance your recruitment efforts, or if you’d like to explore how to start your own student community, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to help you discover innovative ways to support your students and ensure their university experience exceeds their expectations. Just fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you with more information.