Living Black at University Commission Report 2022/23 13 12 Living Black at University Commission Report 2022/23 The transition to university can be challenging for new students, who face the stress of adjustment, change in environment and lack of pre-existing social support at the same time as they may struggle to navigate new spaces and discover who they are. 1 The opportunities to socialise and build a community within purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) can sometimes help with these challenges, but for Black students, this can be a difficult and stressful environment. 2 When Black students have a positive experience of arriving at university and attending orientation events, it helps foster a sense of belonging. Orientation programmes designed for Black students provide a space where they can connect with peers who may share similar experiences, backgrounds and challenges. This can reduce feelings of isolation and increase Black students’ sense of community, making them feel more supported and included within the university environment – which, in turn, can contribute to improved academic performance and higher retention and graduation rates. Positive experiences during orientation – such as being able to engage in activities that celebrate their heritage and access resources which are tailored to their needs – can also empower Black students, boost their confidence and make them feel valued and appreciated. By recognising and amplifying their perspectives, universities can encourage Black students to become active participants in their education and overall university experience. Orientation programmes also connect and network students with faculty, other employees and alumni; establishing these relationships early on can be particularly beneficial for Black students in receiving tailored guidance and mentorship while navigating university for the first time. Universities that prioritise and celebrate DEI send a clear message that Black students' identities, experiences and contributions are valued. This validation can positively impact their mental health, self-esteem and overall wellbeing, and creates an environment in which they feel supported to grow and succeed – contributing towards a more inclusive and equitable experience. 1.1 INTRODUCTION Melissa Browne Deputy Director of Commercial Services & Estates at University of Kent Rebecca O’Hare Interim Deputy Director of Residential Services at the University of Leeds ARRIVAL & INTEGRATION 1.1 Introduction 13 1.2 Recommendation 2 14 1.3 Recommendation 4 16 1.3 Recommendation 6 17 1.4 Case study: 18 Newcastle University 1.5 Case study: 20 University of Southampton 1 Dr Lesley Scanlon, Louise Rowling and Zita Weber, ‘ You don’t have like an identity... you are just lost in a crowd’: Forming a Student Identity in the First-year Transition to University ’, Journal of Youth Studies, 2007, p.223-241 2 Zak Foste, ‘Oh, That’s the White Dorm' : The Racialisation of University Housing and the Policing of Racial Boundaries’, Journal of College Student Development, Volume 62 Number 2, March-April 2021, p169-185