Students | Building Belonging

Building Belonging as students

Being part of an environment where we feel we belong is essential to learning, wellbeing and success.

The Warwick Building Belonging Framework has been co‑developed by staff and students to help you foster sense of belonging intentionally and sustainably within your communities.

Whether you're active in a society, peer group or even in the friendships and connections you have already, the Building Belonging approach will help you understand why belonging matters and how to embed the framework meaningfully.

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Why belonging matters

A sense of belonging influences almost every aspect of the student experience. Feeling valued, included and connected improves confidence, motivation, wellbeing and performance.

Research and sector practice demonstrate that belonging is not a “nice to have”—it is a foundational condition for success, engagement, and community health.

Students

When we feel we belong to a University community, we're more likely to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

On the other hand, a lack of belonging can contribute to disengagement, loneliness and even withdrawal.

It's important, toom that we develop trust within the communities we participate in, as this underpins our willingness to participate, seek support and collaborate.

The university community

Belonging improves the effectiveness of learning, teaching, student support and community‑building efforts.

It boosts participation, representation and engagement in co‑created activity at all levels.

When belonging is embedded in everyday practice, inclusive culture becomes sustainable, rather than programmatic.

Belonging is everyone’s responsibility. It is built with people, not for them; something made clear through our own learning circle and co‑design work at Warwick.

Warwick Building Belonging Framework in practice

The framework draws on four interconnected elements; inclusion, mattering, empowerment and connection, all built on a foundation of trust. Use the interactive graphic to understand how these elements work together.

Participation modes

The framework encourages you to think not just about what you do to support belonging, but how you do it. It introduces three modes of participation:

For

Doing things for your group may include actions that remove barriers, increase clarity or enhance experiences, e.g.:

Simplifying information
Improving accessibility in spaces
Updating practices to support engagement

This mode is essential when expertise or responsibility sits with you.

With

This mode emphasises partnership and co‑design. Examples include:

Working with your group to design activities
Reviewing activities or projects collaboratively
Involving others in shaping new approaches or ideas

Co‑created practices help build trust and support the impact of your work.

This involves empowering others to lead. Examples include:

Collaborative initiatives
Peer support communities
Group-led networks or working groups

This mode supports confidence, autonomy and long‑term cultural change.

Belonging AI tool

Need help turning ideas into action? This proof‑of‑concept AI tool offers tailored guidance based on the framework to help you move from planning to doing.

Snapshot tool

This tool supports you with the design, review or participation in activities by reflecting on them through the lens of the framework.

Case studies

Explore examples of the framework being used by colleagues across Warwick to support fostering a sense of belonging for, with and by students.