Your incoming students have already used Community to stay connected during the offer process and to help them decide that your institution is the right fit. But how can your Community continue to support and guide them as they transition from offer holders or admitted students, to fully enrolled students, navigating campus on day one?
A little planning will ensure your incoming students feel supported at every stage of their journey. Here’s a sample timeline you can adapt to your own academic and arrival calendar:
8–10 Weeks Before Arrival → Set the Tone
Post a welcome message from staff and ambassadors in your Updates channel.
Share an icebreaker Poll (“Where are you joining us from?”, “What are you most excited about?”).
Share an Update outlining what students can expect from Community as they transition from offer holder to enrolment.
💡 Goal: Make the space feel alive and approachable from day one.
6–8 Weeks Before Arrival → Build Engagement
Add academic or housing-based To-Do’s (e.g., “Apply for housing,” “Register for your classes”).
Share student spotlights or stories in Updates and relevant Groups.
Approve student-requested Groups - or ask for input in a Poll - (favourite music genre, hobbies, or sports) to spark peer-to-peer connections.
💡 Goal: Help students find common ground and start forming friendships.
4–6 Weeks Before Arrival → Prepare Practically
Share an Update on key dates and deadlines (orientation, move-in, tuition payments).
Add a packing or arrival checklist to To-Do’s.
Post an AMA thread in relevant Groups, where Student Ambassadors can answer common questions.
💡 Goal: Reduce pre-arrival stress with practical guidance.
2–3 Weeks Before Arrival → Create Excitement
Pin a welcome message to academic Groups from staff, or post links to exciting research undertaken by the department.
Post a Poll about which Welcome Week activities students are most excited for.
Share an Update highlighting campus traditions or upcoming events.
💡 Goal: Build anticipation and a sense of belonging.
Arrival Week → Stay Connected
Use Updates to share orientation schedules, campus maps, and last-minute reminders.
Add To-Do’s for first-week essentials (e.g., “Pick up your student ID”).
Encourage students to introduce themselves in Accommodation/Halls of Residence or Welcome Week Groups.
💡 Goal: Help students feel supported as they settle in.
After Arrival → Keep the Momentum Going
Share ongoing Polls and Updates to encourage reflection (e.g., “What’s been the highlight of your first week?”).
Post To-Do’s for joining societies, accessing student support services, or upcoming welcome events.
Encourage peer-to-peer sharing so Community remains a vibrant space beyond arrival week.
💡 Goal: Maintain engagement and ensure students continue using Community as part of daily campus life.
By pacing your welcome messages, Polls, Updates, and To-Do’s across the pre-arrival timeline, you’ll keep students consistently engaged, informed, and excited about joining your institution.