Whether via WhatsApp, Snapchat or Facebook groups, there is a growing trend in applicants looking to access their online peer communities before setting foot on campus. This year’s September 21 entrants are currently busy seeking out their peer communities online as they start to form valuable networks and relationships. For university teams applicant community building is fast becoming a central and critical part of their broader recruitment and admissions strategy.

“Can someone connect me with other students from the MSc in Advanced Materials Engineering? Is there a group I can join?

While there have always been requests from students to be connected with others, particularly with those on their same subject, the absence of many face to face peer networking events as a result of Covid has meant that opportunities to develop community are fewer. This has prompted the growth of online applicant peer communities as an alternative, and whether formally organised through the admitting university or organically through student networks, there are likely to be dozens of peer groups across subject, region, accommodation and other student interests.

“Applicants would normally have had the chance to meet tutors, current students and other applicants at on-campus open days and subject events as well as view our accommodation and tour the city. Unfortunately, this just hasn’t been possible this year and it is therefore especially important that we have provided a different way to experience LJMU. And, what better way than through the lens of the student community.” (Carolyn Williams, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at LJMU)

For university teams it is important to recognise the value of applicant communities, especially at what is a critical early phase of the student lifecycle. Strengthening the bond new entrants have with each other at this stage strengthens the bond they have with the institution, thereby delivering longer term value.

Community is great for students and equally makes a lot of business sense for universities looking to impact on conversion, retention, progression and other critical KPI’s.

UK domestic applicants accessing via CampusConnect communities had a 66% percentage apply - enrol average conversion in 2020 - This was almost double the average general conversion rate for each partner university.

The University of Surrey

Peter Shelley and his team at the University of Surrey recognise the importance of applicant communities and they form a central part of their recruitment and admissions support. Peter and team were keen to review their current approach and consolidate efforts across domestic and international teams to support a standardised approach, pooling resources in a more efficient manner. 

We were delighted to work with the team in delivering a series of workshops over the month of July focussed on the building, supporting and moderating of their applicant communities for new September entrants.

“I think it was great to have a dedicated space/time slot to really think about this and how it could support future students”.

Workshop overview: University of Surrey  - July 2021 

How to 'Maximise conversion by developing strong applicant communities'.  

• Define your goals in developing an applicant community

• Examine the key characteristics of an applicant community

• Promote your applicant/new entrant communities online

• Organise applicant peer groups to support better integration

• Moderate and curate content/comms. within peer groups

• Utilize existing resources to maximise impact

• Build for future value through the network

• Measure performance & impact

How we can help!

At CampusConnect we specialise in building online communities for university recruitment, marketing and admissions teams to maximise conversion, boost retention and positively enhance the student experience.

"I think the community is great because I have met my flatmates there, I have made friends with people who will be on the same course as me in September and I have also made friends with people who will be living in the same building as me. I think it's a fantastic idea, especially with Covid, making new friends before starting uni makes you feel a lot less lonely." - Lois, incoming student, LJMU