Presentation Schedule
Strengthening Social Connections and Student Wellbeing in UK Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Russell Group Universities (107310)
Session Chair: Akiko Nishio
Sunday, 12 July 2026 10:45
Session: Session 1
Room: UCL Torrington, G09 (Ground Floor)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
This study aimed to examine how United Kingdom (UK) Russell Group universities seek to reduce student loneliness and promote mental health and wellbeing through formal support systems and campus-based opportunities for social connection. By using a systematic review of publicly available university website content, relevant webpages were identified, documented, archived, and analysed via inductive qualitative content analysis, thus distinguishing widely shared provisions from institution-specific initiatives. Preliminary findings indicate a strong alignment with UK guidance, with common approaches emphasising clubs and societies, sports, volunteering, and mechanisms for the student voice. Distinctive practices include university-based health services and support for the National Health Service registration. However, the visibility and currency of online information may inadvertently hinder participation, specifically for students with limited networks. This highlights the necessity to monitor student experiences and implement targeted interventions when support is insufficient.
Authors:
Akiko Nishio, Mukogawa Women's University, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Akiko Nishio is currently a Professor of Sociology of Education at Mukogawa Women’s University, Japan.
Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiko-nishio-b4784587/
See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule
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