As students return to campuses this fall, some as soon as today, higher education professionals face a rapidly evolving landscape. Here are the critical trends shaping the student experience in 2025.
AI Integration Becomes Essential
As we all know (and can’t stop hearing about), students are arriving with AI literacy as a baseline expectation. They're using AI tools for everything from research assistance to study planning, creating new opportunities for enhanced learning while raising questions about how AI and academic integrity can coexist.
Mental Health Takes Center Stage
The mental health crisis continues to intensify, with students reporting unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. What's changed is the approach – students are more vocal about their needs and expect proactive, accessible mental health resources. Peer support programs and embedded wellness initiatives are becoming as crucial as traditional counseling services. If you’re focused on mental health initiatives on your campus like we are, talk to us. We’d love to hear from you and ensure you have resources available and organized for students on your campus.
Experiential Learning Goes Mainstream
Students increasingly demand hands-on, real-world applications of their studies. Moreover, employers are demanding EL as well. Internships, co-ops, and project-based learning aren't nice-to-haves anymore – they're expectations. Universities are responding by integrating experiential components into more programs and strengthening industry partnerships. If your university hasn’t done this yet, we’d love to make a plan with you.
Don’t have time for a chat? Download our extensive EL Guidebook here for implementing EL on your campus.
Financial Pressure Intensifies Decision-Making
With rising costs and economic uncertainty, students are making more strategic choices about their education. They're seeking shorter pathways to employment and increasingly combining work with studies. This pragmatic approach is reshaping program design and support services.
Digital-First Expectations
Post-pandemic students expect seamless digital experiences across all university touchpoints. From registration to academic support, anything that can be digitized should be – but with human connection points maintained for complex issues.
Community and Belonging Remain Critical
Despite digital nativity, students still crave authentic community connections. Successful institutions are those creating multiple pathways for belonging, from academic communities to interest-based groups, while being intentional about inclusion and accessibility.
The Bottom Line:
Students in 2025 are pragmatic, tech-savvy, and wellness-conscious. They expect institutions to meet them where they are – digitally fluent but seeking human connection, career-focused but needing mental health support, and AI-enabled but craving authentic experiences.
Success this year means balancing innovation with the timeless need for community, support, and meaningful learning experiences.