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For students, higher education is about much more than gaining a degree. Developing support networks at university is equally important, providing advantages for students during their studies, future employment and in their personal lives.
Making connections with professors and career mentors can bestow benefits that stretch far beyond the classroom. Formal schemes, such as Oxford University’s Careers Mentoring Programme, match students who are interested in a particular career with an industry professional in that field. These programmes provide a range of benefits for their participants, including industry insights, CV advice, application tips and opportunities around events, internships, jobs and other networking groups.
Strengthening relationships with professors is another way students can get more from higher education. Building a support network with professors is easier when students are engaged, communicative and give back where possible. For instance, the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, cites academic tutors as one of the areas where students should reach out to grow their support networks.
Although university support networks can help with career development, they are also beneficial in a personal capacity. For example, Imperial College London lists student support networks dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities, from ethnic minority backgrounds, part of the LGBTQ+ community and others. Today, universities take support extremely seriously, with student welfare being prioritised by institutions.
Support networks can assist students in many ways: academically, emotionally, professionally, or in any other area where they may be struggling. Mental health is an important area of focus for universities, with the 2024 National Student Survey revealing that 79 per cent of students had a positive view of how well information on their institution’s mental well-being services was communicated – an increase from the 75.9 per cent recorded in 2023.
The friendships students make at university should also be considered an important part of their support networks. Establishing peer-to-peer support groups is important to safeguarding student welfare during their degrees and beyond. Although friendships may develop naturally during lessons and social activities, universities can also play their part in strengthening relationships. Workshops and online learning communities, for instance, can provide vital spaces for students to connect – especially if they are from underrepresented groups.
Students, too, can look for common ground they may share with their peers to grow their support networks. Joining sports teams or taking part in language exchange programmes can help students expand their friendship circle, which is bound to create a more supportive environment.
Some universities now collect and analyse data informing them of the students that may be most in need of additional support. For example, a survey by Roehampton University found that 76.4 per cent of students found well-being support crucial to the continuation of their studies. Data and analytics can assist institutions in the provision of personalised, preventative student support. This could ensure that students who are struggling with their course receive the help they need to thrive academically.
Just as student support can come in many forms, support networks can be made of all manner of individuals, from professors to employers, counsellors and even fellow students. Completing a degree is an important part of university life, but so too are the connections made along the way.
Language proficiency tests, such as the Duolingo English Test, play a key role in helping students and graduates build strong, diverse networks. Effective communication is the foundation of meaningful connections, and proficiency in another language can open doors to relationships that might otherwise be out of reach. Language certifications can enhance participation in international exchange programmes and professional networking events, providing unique opportunities to connect with a global community. By enabling clear, confident communication, language proficiency testing empowers students to create lasting networks that enrich both their personal and professional lives.
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