What do young people actually think about work, education, and the future? Drawing on in-depth research with hundreds of 16–18-year-olds across the UK, this session cuts through the headlines to explore how a new generation is navigating pressure, uncertainty, and opportunity. From shifting attitudes to careers and success, to the role of social media and identity, this is a grounded look at the realities shaping young people today and what institutions need to understand if they want to connect with them.

Communities are built by meeting students where they are, using platforms like WhatsApp, blogs or Instagram to spark early connection and cut through the noise, transforming Residential Life communications into a driver of belonging, clarity and trust. A student-led brand and gamified feedback keep students actively engaged. You will learn how a cross-platform strategy, grounded in goals and co-created with students, turns everyday messages into a genuine community.

How can we better prepare students for moving into halls? By creating a Discord server for incoming residents, UoM improved engagement ahead of arrival, reduced emails, and helped build student communities. This session shares key insights, lessons learned, and reflections on using two-way communication to support student transition and experience

Visual Authenticity in the Age of AI explores how trust is built through real, human-centered storytelling. At University of Limerick, the Stay Curious campaign used authentic student narratives and environments to create credible connections. As AI evolves, the talk highlights why authenticity must remain central to protecting brand integrity and audience trust