Blog
Jan 13, 2023
Endorsed by The University of Melbourne and funded by the Startspace Future Founders Program at State Library Victoria, Deckle is the #1 student scavenger hunt app for universities, colleges, schools and clubs.
Ideal for orientation day, Deckle aims to help build connectivity, collaboration and engagement amongst students to encourage positive reinforcement, a fulfilling university experience and long-term friendships.
Already successful across the University of Melbourne, Deckle is a must-have for those institutes looking to make meaningful connections with prospective students during both physical and online open days.
The Deckle interface, available on any smart device, allows students, from a local or international school, university, to connect with like-minded individuals through shared activities, such as studying, discovering new locations or eateries or even debating deep and meaningful topics.
Deckle app was initially developed to help people feel less isolated during their university experience, especially after they return to study in a post-covid world. Having begun through a scavenger hunt feature, it allowed students to work together to find items, rooms and people around the university to inspire connectivity and friendship.
However, the app's benefits have exceeded mere friendship-making and can even boost student results, motivate students to continue pursuing their courses and make specific universities appear more prestigious in the eyes of international students.
Reduce Dropout Numbers And Increase Student Connectivity
For many students, choosing a university is all about choosing a place they feel comfortable for the coming years. Some students will prefer bustling environments with plenty of pubs and clubs, others a quieter community, while some are searching for a place filled with “university spirit”. Deckle allows students and potential students to get a real taste of campus life and what their studies could look like as soon as possible. It allows students to have a clear understanding of their peers, social groups and the activities they could engage in with their classmates; including grabbing a bite to eat at some of the best local finds. For those students that may not have any other peers attending the same university, this can help them establish strong relationships with others as it encourages them to connect and engage at their own pace.
As a bonus, this can ease any uncertainty students feel about Orientation day/week or their first few weeks of university life. For many institutes, this can reduce statistics around early dropouts, which account for about 1 in 5 students in Australia.
Help Your University Stand Out From The Crowd With Deckle
While all university students love a discount on their coffee or next lunch, vouchers are the norm for most orientation days. Breaking out of the status quo and hosting activities, including group scavenger hunts through the Deckle app, can help show that your university is forward-thinking and prepared to support its students.
As orientation day is typically the first day of a student’s campus life, they must be given access to as many applications as possible to help them settle in. This is all the more important if a large intake of students are from international or rural locations, as they are more likely to succumb to the ramifications of isolation. In reality, while not all students will engage with Deckle at an orientation day, showing the app is an alternative to help make student life that little bit easier can help them seek the right support should they feel lonely or in need of new friends.
This sense of community can also help them understand that their university is always looking out for them.
Boost Student Results
Student performance is reliant on good teaching and good resources. However, this is not all it is reliant on. Students often encourage one another to push harder, study more or seek out courses they will enjoy. Encouraging students to make friends, both on their orientation day and during the university year, can, therefore, help them locate a friendship group that inspires good performance. This doesn’t only apply to the most studious scholars either. Even those who may struggle academically or who may not be as inclined to study may feel more motivated to exceed their expectations with the help of their friends. Primarily, this stems from wanting to graduate with their course mates, rather than being left behind.
For a university, this can improve results and GPAs across the board, which can make your campus appear more prestigious. In the long-term, it may also make students more employable, which is a big tick for prospective students when they are choosing the campus to complete their desired course.
Don’t Be Left Behind, Choose Deckle Today
The University of Melbourne has already seen great success using the Deckle app at open days, orientation days and throughout the university year. It has helped countless students connect with like-minded individuals and form meaningful friendships. The benefits of having the Deckle app in your institution extend far beyond improving campus life for students. For universities, they can become more approachable and inviting places to attend. Plus, it can help students uncover their full potential.