--- title: "The Crucial First Weeks of University: The Transformative Impact of Nurturing Support Seeking Behaviour" description: Discover how Vygo, an online student support ecosystem platform, can help higher education institutions harness the power of support-seeking behaviour in students during the critical first weeks of university image: https://blog.vygoapp.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-14%20at%207.34.34%20pm.png --- [![vygo_logo_brown_343434](https://blog.vygoapp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vygo_logo_brown_343434.png?width=128&height=50&name=vygo_logo_brown_343434.png "vygo_logo_brown_343434")](https://vygoapp.com/) Open main menu Close main menu - [Blog](https://blog.vygoapp.com) [Student Engagement](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/student-engagement) [Student Wellbeing](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/student-wellbeing) [Peer Mentoring](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/peer-mentoring) [First Generation Students](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/first-generation-students) # The Crucial First Weeks of University: The Transformative Impact of Nurturing Support Seeking Behaviour ![Sharna Silloux](https://blog.vygoapp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sharna.png?width=45&name=Sharna.png) [Sharna Silloux](https://blog.vygoapp.com/author/sharna-silloux) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.vygoapp.com/the-crucial-first-weeks-of-university-the-transformative-impact-of-nurturing-support-seeking-behaviour) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.vygoapp.com/the-crucial-first-weeks-of-university-the-transformative-impact-of-nurturing-support-seeking-behaviour) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.vygoapp.com/the-crucial-first-weeks-of-university-the-transformative-impact-of-nurturing-support-seeking-behaviour) ![](https://blog.vygoapp.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-14%20at%207.34.34%20pm.png) According to recent research, the initial weeks of university life are pivotal for student success and retention (Maher, & Macallister, 2013). This crucial period presents a unique opportunity for higher education institutions to provide comprehensive support that empowers students to overcome challenges and thrive academically. By capitalising on support-seeking behaviour during this time, universities can create an environment that fosters student engagement and success. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of tapping into support-seeking behaviour in higher education students during the first four weeks of university and discuss how Vygo, an innovative online student support ecosystem platform, can assist in this endeavour. **Enhanced Connection and Engagement** During the early stages of their university journey, students often seek guidance, information, and support. Vygo enables institutions to facilitate connections between students and experienced mentors, university services and educators who can offer personalised assistance. This connection and engagement can help students navigate academic challenges, adapt to university life, and foster a sense of belonging. **Timely Access to Resources** Research has shown that students who access support services early on are more likely to persist and succeed in their studies (McKenzie,  & Schweitzer, 2001). Vygo provides a centralised support ecosystem platform where students can access a wide range of resources, including academic support materials, study tips, and university services. This timely access to resources can significantly improve students' confidence, academic performance, well-being and overall university experience. **Targeted Intervention** With Vygo's analytics and tracking capabilities, institutions can identify students who may be at risk of falling behind or disengaging early on. By proactively reaching out to these students and offering targeted support, universities can address their concerns promptly, boosting their chances of success. Research has demonstrated that early intervention strategies are highly effective in improving student outcomes and retention rates (Adnan et al., 2021). **Peer-to-Peer Support** Studies have shown that peer support plays a vital role in student success (Wong & Chapman, 2023). Vygo enables students to connect with experienced mentors who have successfully navigated university or graduate life challenges. These mentors can provide invaluable guidance, share academic achievement strategies, and support adapting to the university environment. Peer-to-peer support fosters a sense of community, facilitates learning, and reduces feelings of isolation. **Seamless Communication** Effective communication is essential for supporting students during their transition to university. Vygo's intuitive and user-friendly interface enables easy and seamless communication between students and their mentors, tutors, or advisors. Whether seeking assistance with assignments, discussing career aspirations, or addressing personal concerns and well-being, students can connect with their support network at their convenience, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Research has consistently shown that capitalising on support-seeking behaviour in students during the critical first weeks of university significantly improves student outcomes, retention rates, and overall satisfaction (Shafait et al., 2021).  By implementing Vygo, an online student support ecosystem platform, higher education institutions can create a comprehensive support system that empowers students to succeed academically and personally. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance student success at your institution. Book a meeting with Vygo today and revolutionise student support in the first weeks of university! References Adnan, M., Habib, A., Ashraf, J., Mussadiq, S., Raza, A. A., Abid, M., ... & Khan, S. U. (2021). Predicting at-risk students at different percentages of course length for early intervention using machine learning models. Ieee Access, 9, 7519-7539. McKenzie, K., & Schweitzer, R. (2001). Who succeeds at university? Factors predicting academic performance in first year Australian university students. Higher education research & development, 20(1), 21-33. Maher, M., & Macallister, H. (2013). Retention and attrition of students in higher education: Challenges in modern times to what works. Higher Education Studies, 3(2). Shafait, Z., Khan, M. A., Sahibzada, U. F., Dacko-Pikiewicz, Z., & Popp, J. (2021). An assessment of student’s emotional intelligence, learning outcomes, and academic efficacy: A correlational study in higher education. Plos one, 16(8), e0255428. Whalen, D., Saunders, K., & Shelley, M. (2009). Leveraging what we know to enhance short-term and long-term retention of university students. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 11(3), 407-430. Wong, W. H., & Chapman, E. (2023). Student satisfaction and interaction in higher education. Higher Education, 85(5), 957-978.   ## Related Articles [![](https://blog.vygoapp.com/hubfs/fedcb700c026f38ad43fe9757ae88d6f.jpg)](https://blog.vygoapp.com/the-impact-of-international-student-support-why-it-matters-more-than-ever-in-uk-higher-education) [Student Engagement](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/student-engagement) [Student Retention](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/student-retention) [Student Wellbeing](https://blog.vygoapp.com/tag/student-wellbeing) ### [The Impact of International Student Support: Why It Matters More Than Ever in UK Higher Education](https://blog.vygoapp.com/the-impact-of-international-student-support-why-it-matters-more-than-ever-in-uk-higher-education) The UK higher education sector is navigating one of its most complex periods in recent history. Policy shifts, visa scrutiny, financial pressures, and growing public... 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Hannah's journey from... ![Rasal Jayasinghe](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/3b6c65f1fa27c581720976abaab38953) [Rasal Jayasinghe](https://blog.vygoapp.com/author/rasal-jayasinghe) [Read More](https://blog.vygoapp.com/insights-from-hannah-gardner-the-journey-challenges-and-future-of-edtech) ### Resource Hub - [Blog](https://vygoapp.com/blog) - [Case Studies](https://vygoapp.com/case-studies) - [Podcast Network](https://vygoapp.com/podcasts) - [White Paper](https://vygoapp.com/whitepaper) ### Explore Vygo - [Support Management](https://vygoapp.com/support-management-platform) - [Cohort Micro Ecosystems](https://vygoapp.com/cohort-support-ecosystem-platform) - [Enterprise Support](https://vygoapp.com/enterprise-support-ecosystem-platform) ### Other - [Our Story](https://vygoapp.com/about) - [Student Login](https://web.vygo.app/) - [The Mentor Academy](https://www.thementor.academy/) ### Download Our White Paper Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram