At the end of her second year, an international student shared something that struck a chord with me. She told me that although she had many classmates, she had not managed to make real friends. In her first year, she was shy, new to the UK, and unsure of how to connect. By the time she felt ready, most students had already formed tight-knit cliques. “I mostly hung out with people from my home country,” she said, “but I never really felt like I belonged in my course or cohort.”
That conversation stayed with me. As international academics ourselves, our team of five could empathise with her, so we came together to try and make a difference. This story was not unique as many students quietly struggle to find connection and a sense of belonging at university.
We imagined a space, simple, welcoming, and warm, where students could talk openly, learn about one another’s experiences and cultures, and build authentic connections. That’s how ‘The Belonging Game’ was born!
With a small Discovery Grant from University of Exeter, we developed the first prototype. We brought in student interns to test the game and help refine the questions, making sure they resonated with real student experiences and that the questions took into consideration mental wellbeing and were inclusive.
The feedback was powerful: “I’ve learnt a lot of things from the other individuals' cultures,” one individual told us. “I also enjoyed answering questions that I normally wouldn’t be asked, so it got my brain thinking a lot.” Another said, “I feel closer to people and like there’s new opportunities for friendship as well as being educated about people’s life experiences.”
We presented the game at the Advance HE Student Engagement Conference 2024, where one attendee described it as a “low-key therapy session.” The feedback has been consistently extraordinary; from students, educators, and even charities working with young people.
What makes this game truly special is its adaptability. It works just as well in academic settings as it does in workplaces and informal group gatherings. The questions spark laughter, reflection, and even vulnerability. Time and again, we’ve seen barriers come down and friendships begin. In a time where folks, especially those from minoritised backgrounds are still grappling with belonging and visibility, this game offers a gentle, structured way to connect.
Why should you buy this game? Because inclusion does not happen by accident! It takes intentional, compassionate spaces for people to connect. This game is a practical, powerful tool to foster those spaces. It breaks the ice, deepens understanding, and strengthens the sense of belonging that everyone craves and deserves. Let’s start the conversation, one card at a time.
At the end of her second year, an international student shared something that struck a chord with me. She told me that although she had many classmates, she had not managed to make real friends. In her first year, she was shy, new to the UK, and unsure of how to connect. By the time she felt ready, most students had already formed tight-knit cliques. “I mostly hung out with people from my home country,” she said, “but I never really felt like I belonged in my course or cohort.”
That conversation stayed with me. As international academics ourselves, our team of five could empathise with her, so we came together to try and make a difference. This story was not unique as many students quietly struggle to find connection and a sense of belonging at university.
We imagined a space, simple, welcoming, and warm, where students could talk openly, learn about one another’s experiences and cultures, and build authentic connections. That’s how ‘The Belonging Game’ was born!
With a small Discovery Grant from University of Exeter, we developed the first prototype. We brought in student interns to test the game and help refine the questions, making sure they resonated with real student experiences and that the questions took into consideration mental wellbeing and were inclusive.
The feedback was powerful: “I’ve learnt a lot of things from the other individuals' cultures,” one individual told us. “I also enjoyed answering questions that I normally wouldn’t be asked, so it got my brain thinking a lot.” Another said, “I feel closer to people and like there’s new opportunities for friendship as well as being educated about people’s life experiences.”
We presented the game at the Advance HE Student Engagement Conference 2024, where one attendee described it as a “low-key therapy session.” The feedback has been consistently extraordinary; from students, educators, and even charities working with young people.
What makes this game truly special is its adaptability. It works just as well in academic settings as it does in workplaces and informal group gatherings. The questions spark laughter, reflection, and even vulnerability. Time and again, we’ve seen barriers come down and friendships begin. In a time where folks, especially those from minoritised backgrounds are still grappling with belonging and visibility, this game offers a gentle, structured way to connect.
Why should you buy this game? Because inclusion does not happen by accident! It takes intentional, compassionate spaces for people to connect. This game is a practical, powerful tool to foster those spaces. It breaks the ice, deepens understanding, and strengthens the sense of belonging that everyone craves and deserves. Let’s start the conversation, one card at a time.