2 Ways to Engage Accepted Students Before They Arrive on Campus

The moment an applicant receives their offer is a milestone — but it’s not the end of the journey. Between acceptance and arrival, there’s often a long waiting period, and during that time, doubts can creep in.

Will I fit in?
Is this really the right decision?
What should I be doing to get ready?

This uncertainty is especially common among international students, who face additional hurdles such as securing visas, booking long-haul travel, and finding somewhere to live in an entirely new country.

At this stage, admitted students already have a relationship with your admissions team — often formed through emails, interviews or open day visits. But what they’re really craving now is reassurance, support and a sense of belonging.

Luckily, there are two simple ways you can keep them engaged, excited and committed.

1. Create a Dedicated Space for Admitted Students

This doesn’t need to be complicated. A private area within your existing application portal (or even a password-protected webpage) can go a long way. The key is to make it feel exclusive and useful — a place that helps students prepare, rather than leaving them to navigate everything alone.

Here’s what you might include:

• Step-by-step enrolment checklists.
• Welcome videos from staff or current students.
• A guide to local life — from public transport to the best coffee near campus.
• Visa guidance and housing FAQs tailored to international students.
• A calendar of upcoming webinars or Q&As.

Providing all of this in one place reduces inbox overload and gives students the confidence that they’re on the right track.

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2. Build a Community Before They Arrive

Starting university can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t know anyone. Creating a space for admitted students to meet, chat, and share their excitement (or concerns) can work wonders for engagement and retention.

This could be:

• A closed Facebook or LinkedIn group
• A private Slack or Discord channel
• A dedicated forum within your portal

The platform isn’t the important part — it’s what happens there.

Encourage students to:

• Introduce themselves and share where they’re coming from.
• Ask questions about enrolment, student life or moving abroad.
• Start conversations about shared interests — like societies, music, or course modules.

When students begin forming connections and feeling part of the university before they’ve even set foot on campus, they’re much more likely to follow through with enrolment.

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Bonus: What Kind of Content Works Best?

Want to go a step further? Here are five content ideas that can deepen engagement and help admitted students feel more confident in their decision:

1. Alumni Stories: Share interviews or short videos from graduates who found success after your programme. Real stories build credibility and inspiration.
2. Course Taster Materials: Give them a sneak peek into what they’ll be learning — maybe a reading list, recorded lecture or short assignment.
3. Student Spotlights: Introduce current students with similar backgrounds or interests. It helps new students visualise themselves fitting in.
4. City or Campus Life Features: Share content on your local area — hidden gems, cultural events, or top student hangouts.
5. Personalised Welcome Messages: Even a short video or email from a course tutor or programme director can make a big impact.

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Final Thoughts

At Full Fabric, we believe that student experience starts before day one. By supporting students after they’ve been accepted — not just when they arrive — you’re showing them they’ve made the right choice.

It’s not about flashy tech or complex campaigns. A few thoughtful touches can make all the difference in keeping future students excited, connected, and ready to begin their journey with you.

Want to explore how Full Fabric can help you engage and enrol students more effectively? Book a demo.