Can Universities Survive Unprecedented Times? 

University fees have increased gradually over the last few years and this has led to students demanding a higher return on investment from their education. Based on an average tuition fee for a 4 year course, students will be graduating with a debt of $132,000 and this excludes any further costs for accommodation, books and lifestyle. With the current economic climate some students cannot afford to even apply for universities, and international students a major revenue source cannot travel for education. For those that can afford education there is no clear correlation between investment and return which is driving students to demand a better university experience.

Covid-19 has accelerated the need for change and posed the biggest challenge to the university system in history.

The costs of operating a university are fairly fixed – salaries, real estate upkeep, research and other admin fees which makes it difficult to subsidise tuition fees. The problem is exacerbated as Government funding per student has decreased with time. Covid-19 has accelerated the move towards distance learning a trend which is working very well for schools already. Technology has enabled and proven education can remain uninterrupted during these unprecedented times as students have been able to learn and network amongst peers.

Universities are facing an emerging challenge which is maintaining the mental health of students with the number of mental health cases has become more prevalent and increasing with alarming statistics:

• 60% of students have felt “overwhelming anxiety” in the past year
  
• 39% of all students in the US report dealing with some kind of mental illness
  
• 64% of students drop out of college because of mental health problems
  
• Only 9% of college students in the United States decide to seek professional help about their mental health issues
  

• While learning will become taught more and more online where distance is irrelevant, universities need to offer an innovative way of providing the campus experience to meet, socialize and network through technology
  
• Utilize social tools such as 30 Friends to ensure there is always someone to talk to in a safe environment. A problem shared is a problem halved and it is often too late in many cases so encouraging students to keep talking is a necessity
  
• Universities must look to the future and offer a differentiated offering to remain relevant based upon Technology trends, socio-economic and demographic shifts
  

The costs of operating a university are fairly fixed – salaries, real estate upkeep, research and other admin fees which makes it difficult to subsidize tuition fees. The problem is exacerbated as government funding per student has decreased with time. Covid-19 has accelerated the move towards distance learning a trend which is working very well for schools already. Technology has enabled and proven education can remain uninterrupted during these unprecedented times as students have been able to learn and network amongst peers.

30 Friends is a social tool which enables users to meet, socialize and network with new people. 30 Friends matches users into small groups with similar interests for a series of timed video chats with tools to encourage better conversations and allow them to connect with other people

30 Friends will ensure your students remain engaged, excited and motivated to make sure they get the best out of their university experience.