Table of Contents
Overview
Incoming students are arriving on campus more emotionally aware, hopeful, and ready to connect than many might expect. TimelyCare’s latest data shows a majority feel optimistic, excited, and confident about forming friendships. This optimism offers a powerful opening: colleges can help students build strong foundations before academic and social pressures mount. Learn more about what the data reveals and how institutions can turn early openness into lasting belonging.
A New Class, a New Chapter, and New Hope.
Despite growing concerns about mental health in higher education, there’s a bright, less-recognized truth: many first-year students are starting college full of hope, emotional awareness, and openness.
The results of a new nationwide survey of first-year college students from TimelyCare show:
- 32% feel thrilled and optimistic about starting college
- 64% are at least cautiously excited
- 73% are confident they’ll make friends
This early readiness is a golden window for building connection before challenges mount. The question is: how do we nurture it before pressures set in?
Students are emotionally aware and unafraid to seek support
Incoming students aren’t just hopeful, they’re emotionally savvy. Nearly 65% report having accessed therapy, and many feel comfortable discussing it. This aligns with broader Gen Z trends: over 70% say college institutions must do more for mental well-being, and Gen Zers continue to demand mental health support across contexts.
This awareness is a strength, one that can be channeled into meaningful connections and a stronger sense of belonging.
Belonging starts early and fuels success
While loneliness is widespread among current students, this cohort enters with the anticipation of community, 70% already feel connected or expect to belong. That early feeling truly matters: many studies show that belonging enhances academic performance, persistence, and mental health by the third undergraduate year. One belonging intervention, deployed before enrollment, even improved first-year retention rates.
But anticipation alone isn’t enough. Confidence in social connection must be nurtured if belonging is to last.
Student confidence is real, but fragile
Despite the optimism of incoming college students, they may need help interacting with other students and building meaningful relationships. The TimelyCare data shows:
- 40% feel only somewhat confident in making friends
- 10% feel unconfident
- Only 7% report feeling overwhelmed at the moment
This “just-budding” confidence needs care. Low-pressure, peer-led social spaces such as mixers, study groups, and orientation events can make the difference between surface acquaintance and lasting connection.
What does the research say works to build belonging?
Building a sense of belonging is crucial for academic success and personal growth, particularly in educational environments. Research has identified several specific strategies that foster connection and engagement, leading to meaningful, long-term benefits for students. Consider these approaches that have been shown to enhance belonging and improve academic outcomes.
Values-affirmation and belonging interventions
Values-affirmation and belonging interventions can deliver long-term academic and belonging gains. They have been shown to improve both sense of belonging and academic outcomes, even in the long term.
Peer mentoring
Peer mentoring programs improve campus integration, grades, attendance, and retention—especially for underrepresented students. A study conducted at a California university showed that first-year students who received peer mentoring experienced significantly higher levels of campus integration compared to those who did not, suggesting that stronger engagement can boost retention. Likewise, a study of underrepresented college students demonstrated that those who participated in peer mentoring achieved higher average grades, better attendance, and improved retention rates compared to similar peers who did not.
Living-learning communities (LLC)
Living-learning communities (LLC) foster belonging, sharpen critical thinking, and increase faculty engagement—ultimately improving persistence and closing equity gaps. A review of LLC research reveals that students participating in LLCs show enhanced academic performance, deeper integration of academic and social experiences, and higher satisfaction with their college experience. Notably, these students also report increased faculty engagement and are more likely to retain.
The takeaway? These strategies don’t just work in theory. They work in practice, across diverse student populations.
How can students turn openness into true belonging?
Creating a sense of true belonging takes more than just being present. It’s about actively engaging, building connections, and fostering a supportive environment. Whether you’re a student navigating campus life or a campus leader shaping the college experience at your institution, these small steps can make a big difference.
For students:
- Say “yes” to that club meeting or casual campus event, even if you’re unsure.
- Introduce yourself to a classmate or RA.
- Use TimelyCare to check in early and catch small doubts before they grow.
For institutions:
- Build inclusion into day one through accessible programming, not just orientation speeches.
- Normalize help-seeking and emotional transition.
- Invest in peer support and mentoring, living-learning communities, and belonging-first events.
Let’s not lose this optimism
This early hope is both fragile and powerful. Left untended, it can fade quickly under new pressures. Nurtured with connection, emotional safety, and inclusivity, it can carry students far, fueling both academic success and personal growth.
Gen Z is ready. They’re emotionally equipped. The question is: will we meet them where they are? Learn how TimelyCare can support retention and belonging.
Key Takeaways
- Most incoming students arrive with optimism, emotional awareness, and a desire for community.
- Early belonging interventions can boost retention, academic performance, and well-being.
- Peer mentoring, LLCs, and values-affirmation programs have proven long-term impact.
- Institutions have a critical window to reinforce student confidence before challenges emerge.
FAQs
Yes. They are more open to discussing mental health and expect proactive institutional support.
