In the evolving landscape of higher education, student engagement remains a pivotal factor influencing academic success, retention rates, and overall satisfaction. As institutions seek innovative strategies to foster a sense of belonging and active participation, Branded Student Merchandise emerges as a tangible tool to enhance student involvement.
The Importance of Student Engagement
Engaged students are more likely to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop a strong affinity toward their university of college. However, recent trends indicate challenges in maintaining high engagement levels. According to the UK Engagement Survey (UKES) 2023, while many students report positive experiences, there remains a significant portion who feel disconnected from their academic environment.
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) - the UK’s only independent think-tank devoted to higher education, highlighted a decline in continuation rates, dropping from 91.1% in 2022 to 89.5% in 2024 for full time students pursuing their first degree . This underscores the need for institutions to implement effective engagement strategies to retain students.
Branded Merchandise as an Engagement Tool
Branded merchandise serves not only as promotional material but also as a means to instill pride and unity among students. Items such as university-branded clothing, stationery, and other accessories can reinforce a student's identity within the campus community. A study published in the Journal of Education and E-Learning Research found that a strong brand image positively influences student satisfaction, which in turn fosters loyalty to the institution. By distributing quality merchandise that resonates with students, universities can enhance their brand image and deepen student engagement and belonging.
Implementing Student Merchandise Strategies
To effectively leverage merchandise for student engagement:
-
Make it personal to their course and team: Tailoring items to specific cohorts or events (e.g., "Class of 2025") can create a sense of exclusivity, belonging and camaraderie. We have a range of high quality clothing from [Branded Hoodies and Sweaters (https://identitymerchandise.co.uk/product-category/branded-hoodies-sweaters) that are ideal for student life.
-
Quality Over Quantity: Investing in high-quality merchandise ensures longevity and continued use of the promotional product nurturing student satisfaction, we recommend supplying students with merchandise that also promotes their wellbeing and learning such as Branded Water Bottles to encourage hydration or Branded Eye Masks to aid restful sleep in the first few weeks.
-
Integration with Events: Distributing merchandise during orientation, open days, or achievement ceremonies can enhance the significance of these occasions as the first few weeks can be a slight blur, useful branded student swag acts as a reminder to the new student of the events and invitations they have, increasing uptake in clubs and events which will bring the student into the community. Common merchandise used to promote student events includes things like Branded phone accessories, Branded Giveaway Products & Branded University Tote bags.
Identity Merchandise Ltd are top UK’s suppliers of Student Merchandise
Incorporating branded merchandise into student engagement strategies offers a tangible method to foster connection, pride, and loyalty within the student body. As higher education institutions navigate the challenges of retention and satisfaction, such initiatives can play a crucial role in creating a cohesive and engaged campus community. We can help Higher Education institutes to use their budget to the best of their ability we have curated a specific Student Swag page on our website which lists over 100 promotional products.
Click to view our Student Promotional Merchandise page.