Starting out in a new educational environment can generate many questions. Everything is new: the spaces, the people, the routines… and that can create a certain level of uncertainty. Did you know that a good onboarding program can make all the difference in helping students adapt more quickly and feel engaged from day one?
At this stage, students need guidance and support. Traditionally, this was achieved through in-person tutoring or general information sessions. Today, although these can also be provided in person, onboarding allows for more personalized and effective support.
If you'd like to delve deeper into how trust from the first contact impacts engagement, you can read our previous article: Why trust is the starting point for transform the educational experience.
What is onboarding?
Onboarding is the process of welcoming, integrating, and supporting new students. Its goal is to facilitate adaptation to the educational environment before the official start of the school year, reduce anxiety during the first few days, improve autonomy, and establish an initial connection with the institution.
This process may include different resources and activities:
- Virtual presentations of the educational center and the teaching team.
- Early access to academic or administrative platforms.
- Explanatory resources on schedules, regulations, and class dynamics.
- Interactive spaces to meet other students (such as forums, groups, or chats).
- Gamified familiarization activities to make the process more dynamic and memorable.
Onboarding complements in-person tutoring and provides continuous, personalized support so each student can progress at their own pace. It provides constant access to academic information and content tailored to each profile, as well as monitoring participation in the center's various activities.
What strategic benefits does onboarding offer us?
- It encourages student engagement with the institution from the first contact.
- It reinforces the sense of belonging to the educational community.
- It contributes to retention and helps prevent dropout, especially in the first year.
A good onboarding program not only prepares students for their new academic journey, but also fosters their emotional journey, fosters autonomy, and gives them the tools they need to integrate, participate, and connect with their school.
Ultimately, a well-designed onboarding process strengthens the trust and bond between student and institution, building a solid foundation for a positive and lasting educational experience.
And you... Are you already implementing onboarding at your institution?
At UNIFIT, we help you design a welcome experience that connects, supports, and makes a difference from day one. Let's talk so we can create a great start together.
