In today's diverse university environments, it is crucial to understand how to effectively support a wide range of students, empowering them to navigate their academic journeys successfully. We have initiated a longitudinal study tracking 36 first year undergraduate students throughout their studies at the University.

Our project commenced with a Hackathon, where these first-year students shared their experiences and reflected on what could have better supported them during their initial term. This event provided a platform for students to voice their challenges and propose solutions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration from the outset.

In May 2025, we will conduct six focus groups with the same students to delve deeper into key themes identified during the Hackathon: Assessment, Academia, Community, Communication, and Transitions. These focus groups will allow us to gather more detailed insights and explore the evolving needs and experiences of students as they progress through their university journey.

We hope to share our findings to date, highlighting the initial themes and insights gathered from the Hackathon and focus groups. We will discuss the implications of these findings for enhancing student support and propose strategies for creating a more inclusive and active educational environment. By sharing our research, we hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation about how to best support students in a changing world and inspire others.