Every fall, universities pour energy into orientation, campus events, and student engagement — and then lose momentum just as the holidays arrive. As students pack up for Thanksgiving break, the community that schools have spent months building suddenly pauses. But here’s the truth — connection doesn’t have to stop when students leave campus. A small gesture can travel miles and make belonging last.

💌 When Students Leave, Connection Often Does Too

The transition from campus to home can feel isolating, especially for first-year and transfer students. Research shows that students who experience belonging early on are 2.6x more likely to persist into their second year. Yet, once they’re home for the holidays, the “I’m part of something” feeling fades — unless schools intentionally bridge that gap.

🎁 Why Holiday Gifting Works Better Than Another Email

Holiday gifting is more than a friendly gesture; it’s a proven engagement strategy. A 2024 EAB survey found that 81% of students felt more valued after receiving a physical gift or note from their university. Schools that stayed connected through the winter break saw a 9–12% improvement in retention. The difference isn’t the size of the gift — it’s the intent behind it. When a student opens a small box with a handwritten card or a cozy school-branded item, it says, “You still belong here.”

📊 The ROI of Gratitude

The numbers are hard to ignore. Universities that keep student connection alive through winter breaks see up to 15% higher re-enrollment rates. Students who feel appreciated are three times more likely to recommend their university to a friend. And social mentions of campus life can spike by 40% when students post their “holiday surprise” online. Gratitude, it turns out, is not just good manners — it’s measurable impact.

🎓 Real Example: Gratitude That Travels

One university partnered with Gesture’s Reach360 EDU platform to send “Gratitude Kits” to students during the holidays. Each package included a sustainably made sweatshirt, a personalized thank-you message from the dean, and a QR code linking to a short video from faculty wishing them well. The response was immediate — higher engagement, warmer feedback, and a 12% lift in yield compared to the previous year. The message was simple: you’re not just a student, you’re part of a community that remembers you.

🚀 From Holiday Cheer to Long-Term Belonging

With Reach360 EDU, universities can easily plan and send these experiences — from concept to doorstep — without burdening admissions teams. It’s not about gifting for gifting’s sake; it’s about showing students that connection lasts longer than a semester.

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🎓 Your students don’t need another email — they need a reminder they belong. Let’s make it happen