The power of an open door: student partnership and supportive transition to higher education

This paper presents a case study on the development and implementation of an online pre-arrival resource at the University of Manchester, aimed at enhancing the sense of belonging among first-year undergraduate offer holders. The resource leverages student-staff co-creation, inclusive pedagogy and student-led content to support new students' transition to university. It was designed to be applicable to all first-year undergraduate offer holders, easily accessible online and representative of the diverse experiences of incoming students. The resource includes a custom to-do list function, allowing students to prioritise and navigate topics at their own pace and to take control of their transition experience. The paper discusses the theoretical framework guiding the resource, the consultation process with stakeholders and engagement metrics from early iterations. The paper highlights the importance of inclusive and representative communication in fostering a sense of belonging and the impact of small, targeted initiatives in creating a positive student experience.