The Future of Student Engagement is Mobile

Hull University Union's new WelcomeFest app was a winner at the Hull Digital Awards. In this interview, we discuss the drive behind placing events and key information at every student’s fingertips.

Courtney Farrow, sobananapenguin: Hi, guys! So, why did you choose to invest in a WelcomeFest app?

Rachel Kirby, Marketing Manager at HUU: The aim of WelcomeFest is to introduce students to their Union and let them know what we can do for them. First years were unsure about events and where everything is on campus, whilst returning students were asking for increased contact via digital platforms. We put these issues to our team of 10-15 students, who met on a weekly basis and came up with the idea of an app.

Charley Ivill, Digital Communications Officer at HUU: Our Facebook analytics also prove that twice as many people view our page on their mobile phones than via other devices.

Courtney: And so an app was the solution?

Rachel: Alongside print materials such as a foldout Festival Guide and an Insider’s Guide, students decided that an app would be the best way to make the most of WelcomeFest. It also promotes Student Union services, which include everything from free advice to inviting spaces for enjoying a coffee with friends.

Courtney: How did you go about creating the app?

Rachel: I knew I wanted to work with a Hull-based company, and since {sauce} are based at the C4DI and belong tp the University of Hull alumni, they ticked all the right boxes. We then set up a meeting with them and the student team, who were involved in every single step of the process, from the spec to aesthetics – they actually drew out what they wanted it to look like.

Courtney: That sounds great, and it’s amazing that students had so much involvement. What exactly does the app do?

Rachel: It contains useful information about WelcomeFest, including a line-up section where students select events they wish to attend and create their own schedule. A notification is then sent a few hours before the activity to prevent them missing out. We also integrated a map segment to answer the problem of first years not knowing where things are. Now students can find greengrocers, doctors, dentists and bus stops in the local area at the tap of a button.

Courtney: Wow, we wish we had this information when we were first years.

Rachel: Exactly. The app is very useful to those who are new to the area, as well as students who already live in Hull. A lot of our members are local, so will know how to find Tesco but perhaps need suggestions for grabbing a hot meal on campus. The app also helps students with the first few weeks of university life, as many arrive here unprepared.

Courtney: Great stuff! How has the app been received so far?

Rachel: We’ve been watching the analytics for the app and our website closely, and I’m pleased to say that we are exactly where we want to be in terms of downloads. We’ve already had over 2,000 sign-ups between A-level results day and the week prior to the festival.

Courtney: Would you say the future of Freshers’ Week is digital?

Rachel: Freshers’ Week is already digital, so I would say the future of events like this is mobile. Of course, there’ll always be a place for print marketing and face-to-face engagement with students, but the focus is definitely swaying towards digital applications like our own.

Charley: Most students now starting university were born in 1998, the same year that Google was released. This is the generation of smartphones, so our members are naturally going to respond well to the WelcomeFest app.

Rachel: This is a major milestone for HUU, with students being more connected to what we offer than ever before.

Courtney also spoke with {sauce} about collaborating with HUU, leading to them winning Best Mobile App at the Hull Digital Awards.

Matt Gibson, Director: HUU needed a more effective method of communicating and engaging with students. Moving away from print communication and to a mobile application was a national first, allowing users to interact with content more easily than through a website or handbook. In turn, this gives students the chance to discover more about their new environment before arriving in the city and during their time here. It's win-win!

​Everyone at sobananapenguin would like to congratulate HUU and {sauce} on their exciting success. Here's to students enjoying Hull to the full!