In today’s fast-paced, mobile-first world, higher education institutions need to evolve their digital presence to meet the expectations of the modern student. These students, often referred to as digital nomads, expect seamless experiences—whether they’re browsing a university’s website for application information or checking class schedules. Unfortunately, many universities still rely on outdated, non-responsive web portals, frustrating students and even faculty alike.
The complaints we see online, such as those posted on Reddit, offer valuable insights into what goes wrong and how to fix it. Let’s break down some of the issues students face and explore solutions for university decision-makers to ensure that the digital experience isn’t just accessible, but enjoyable.
1. The Search Function That Never Works: A Simple Fix to Save Time
One recurring frustration shared by students is the broken search functionality on university websites. When students are looking for specific forms, deadlines, or department information, they shouldn’t have to guess URLs or waste time trying multiple search queries. Yet, that’s exactly what many of them face.
The Solution: Prioritize Intuitive Search Functions
A robust, easy-to-navigate search function is paramount. Universities should invest in search solutions that deliver relevant results quickly, with filters for specific areas (admissions, financial aid, course catalog, etc.). Integrating AI-powered search algorithms can significantly enhance search accuracy and give students the relevant information they need without endless trial and error.
By improving the search function, universities can cut down on unnecessary confusion and improve the overall user experience.
2. Redundant and Disorganized Departmental Websites: Streamlining for Efficiency
Another complaint revolves around the proliferation of separate departmental websites, which can feel disjointed and hard to navigate. With information scattered across multiple platforms, students often find themselves jumping from one page to another, encountering the same details repeated in different sections or versions. This redundancy, combined with broken links and outdated content, can quickly become overwhelming.
The Solution: Consolidate Information and Centralize Communication
Universities should consider a centralized website architecture that houses all information in one place, with clear sections for different departments and services. Each department should maintain its own web space, but it should be tightly integrated with the main university website to ensure consistency and easy access to resources.
Implementing a dynamic content management system (CMS) can help manage and update information across various sections, preventing redundancy and streamlining the user experience. By linking departments more effectively, universities can reduce confusion and give students a one-stop-shop for all academic and administrative needs.
3. Mobile Optimization: More Than Just Resizing Pages
One of the most common pieces of feedback from frustrated students is that their university website is not optimized for mobile devices. While many universities have made efforts to make their websites mobile-responsive, it’s clear that simply resizing the page to fit smaller screens isn’t enough. In some cases, it’s left students navigating clunky, hard-to-read designs or scrambling to find information buried under poorly formatted mobile pages.
The Solution: Full Mobile Optimization with Student-Centric Design
Mobile optimization goes beyond just adjusting the screen size. It means creating a user-friendly mobile interface that is intuitive and provides all the content students need in an easy-to-read format. This includes:
- Responsive layouts that adapt to various screen sizes and orientations.
- Simplified navigation that prioritizes the most commonly accessed sections (like admissions and course registration).
- Fast-loading pages, ensuring that the site is quick to load even on slower mobile connections.
- Touch-friendly features, such as larger buttons and easy-to-click links.
As the next generation of students is increasingly mobile-first, universities must invest in mobile design that allows students to access information seamlessly across devices, making digital interactions more accessible and efficient.
4. Lack of Easy Access to Contact Information: Improve Communication Channels
Students and parents alike find themselves frustrated by not being able to easily contact the right department. The Reddit comments mention that university websites often lack prominent contact details or place them so far down the page that users miss them entirely. When information is hard to find, students resort to emailing or calling IT support or the wrong department, leading to frustration and wasted time.
The Solution: Make Contact Information Easily Accessible
Universities should ensure that contact details for key departments are readily available on every page, especially in the footer or header of the site. Having a centralized contact hub with department phone numbers, emails, and office hours will reduce the number of misplaced inquiries.
Additionally, universities should invest in live chat systems or AI chatbots that can provide instant answers to frequently asked questions, saving students the time and effort of sending an email or making a call.
5. Keeping Up With Digital Nomads: The Importance of Updating Content Regularly
Finally, many students lament that university websites often feature outdated information—from old faculty listings to expired deadlines. This lack of regular updates results in confusion, and often forces students to rely on third-party sources for the most current information.
The Solution: Streamline Content Management and Regularly Update Resources
A clear content update strategy is essential. Universities should implement a content management system (CMS) that allows for easy, frequent updates. Automating notifications for content updates ensures that important deadlines, course schedules, and faculty information are always current.
Conclusion: Putting Students First in a Digital World
Today’s students are no longer passive web visitors—they’re digital nomads who expect intuitive, seamless, and accessible experiences. To ensure they’re not left feeling frustrated or lost, universities need to adopt a student-first approach when it comes to their digital platforms. By focusing on mobile optimization, intuitive navigation, effective search tools, and centralized information, institutions can provide a web experience that doesn’t add more stress to students’ already complex academic journeys.
At Sanmita, we understand the challenges that universities face when it comes to providing an exceptional digital experience for their students, faculty, and staff. With years of experience in design, strategy, and technology, we’ve helped numerous institutions revamp their online presence to not only meet but exceed the expectations of today’s digital-first generation. By partnering with us, your institution can create a digital experience that not only supports your academic mission but also strengthens your reputation in a competitive, technology-driven world.
Let us help you future-proof your institution’s online presence—because when your website works for everyone, everyone wins. Reach out to Sanmita today and see how we can take your digital transformation to the next level.