< BACK TO CONTENTS UNITE STUDENTS | THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND ON THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE 17 PROVIDE PROACTIVE AND ACCESSIBLE KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION EORR Risk 2: Information and guidance 8. Offer information about key higher education concepts at open days, virtual open days and in pre-arrival information 9. Offer “ask me anything” sessions with students at open days and virtual open days 10. Provide a session for all students at the start of the year to explain course structure, assessments and key academic concepts 11. Offer sessions on referencing and academic writing within the timetable 12. Enable new students to view accommodation, either in person or virtually, before they arrive so that they can visualise themselves living there 13. Explain what to expect when arriving in student accommodation for the first time 14. Provide information to resident students about where to buy reasonably priced food and household items 15. Provide clear, timely and proactive information about second year accommodation options to resident students, with access to help and support where needed SUPPORT STUDENTS TO MAKE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS ACROSS THE YEAR EORR Risk 7: Insufficient personal support 16. Provide free events and activities in a variety of settings throughout the year that will help students to make new connections 17. Develop communications that help students to recognise healthy and unhealthy friendships 18. Offer daytime as well as evening events 19. Provide clear information about how societies work, and communicate societies more proactively, especially to students who are currently under-represented 20. Work with student societies and students themselves to be more inclusive of non- drinkers 21. Offer bursaries for societies and sports club fees for disadvantaged students 22. Consider an Access to Sports scheme to diversify engagement RECOMMENDATIONS