Student Stories are Data with Soul
From Stress to Success: Mastering University Life Does This Sound Familiar?
You aced secondary school and are now stepping into university, expecting to conquer it all—stellar grades, a buzzing social life, and a smooth graduation. Yet reality often collides with these expectations.
Did you know that 41,630 students in the UK dropped out of university in their first year in 2022-23 (HESA, 2023)? Data from the Student Loans Company (SLC) suggests this is a 28% rise over five years in students who signed up for a loan before dropping out of a course.
There is considerable variability in drop out numbers from course to course, and university to university, but some institutions are seeing the numbers skyrocketing to 32%.
Since findings suggest a bachelor’s degree could mean an extra one to two million dollars over the duration of your career, plus a healthier, happier life the stakes are high (McMahon, 2009).
The Dropout Dilemma
Increasing student retention is not just a personal goal—it’s an economic priority for students, universities, and the UK Government. So, let’s roll out the red carpet for some game-changing retention strategies.
Introducing Xsrted: Your Lifeline to Stay Afloat
At Xsrted, we’re here to tackle the dropout crisis by offering products and services designed to help you stay the course. From tailored academic support to career planning, we’ve got your back so you can crush your degree.
Why Student Engagement is Your Secret Sauce for Success
Disengagement is the villain lurking behind poor academic performance and dropout rates (Li & Xue, 2023). But what’s student engagement, anyway? Think of it as what you do, think about, and feel when you’re learning (Zepke, 2018). It’s all about:
- Behavioural factors: effort, persistence, asking questions, and engaging in class (Li & Xue, 2023).
- Emotional factors: feeling connected and emotionally involved on campus (Skinner & Belmont, 1993).
- Cognitive factors: deep involvement in learning and mastering skills (Henrie et.al, 2015; Li & Xue, 2023).
Cracking the Code on Disengagement
Let’s face it: sometimes, it’s the inner demons (like motivation and learning habits) that alienate you from your studies. Other times, it’s external issues like a lack of social support. In a recent meta-analysis, findings suggest that it is the non-intellectual factors of students which provide the key motivators for disengagement and leaving university (Li & Xue, 2023).
Why Personal Connections Matter
Research shows one of the best ways to ensure you stick around and graduate is through meaningful interactions (Cox, McIntosh, & Terenzini, 2010; Drake, 2011). Personal connections with mentors and faculty are linked to higher retention rates (Astin, 1993; Tinto, 1993).
Take Stanford University, for example. A 2011 study found that students who received Student Success Coaching were five percentage points more likely to persist than those who didn’t (Bettinger & Baker, 2011).
Meet Your New Best Friend: Academic Success Coaching
What’s our competative advantage? The Academic Success Coaching curriculum. This approach is crafted to meet your unique needs, helping you identify strengths, practise new skills, and navigate resources effectively. Student Success Coaching can:
- Enhance your university experience
- Boost academic success
- Prepare you for a career after graduation
- Foster a sense of belonging
The Human Connection Comes First
Feeling connected and part of your university community is the starting point for your success (Thomas, 2012; 2017). At Xsrted, we emphasise:
- Finding friends and feeling confident
- Feeling a part of your course and institution
- Nurturing engagement through the academic sphere
Take the Leap
Ready to turn things around and make the most of your university journey? Get involved and receive coaching to be a part of the Xsrted MVP to fight student disengagement.
