Abstract
In higher education, students often face uncertainties in defining their academic and future pathways. Success requires not only academic skills but also resilience and a sense of belonging. Learning Development (LD) can address these evolving needs by combining academic skill-building with strategies that enhance personal resilience and wellbeing, ensuring inclusivity and equity in the student experience.
Wellbeing, which is closely linked to resilience, improves when personal resources are expanded (Fredrickson, 2001; Roepke & Seligman, 2015). Practical strategies that integrate resilience and wellbeing into daily life empower students to manage challenges effectively (Leppin et al., 2014). Despite rising concerns about stress and mental health, many higher education curricula lack wellbeing-focused activities.
This presentation introduces the ’59 Ways to Wellbeing’ resource, developed at the University of Surrey to address these gaps. Co-created with students, this calendar-style tool combines positive psychology and learning development strategies to promote resilience and wellbeing during two key academic periods: October, when students settle into university, and February, post-inter-semester break.
The resource offers 59 accessible and inclusive strategies that blend resilience-building with academic skill development. By incorporating these practices into their routines, students can better navigate challenges, foster resourcefulness, and enhance their sense of belonging.
The presentation showcases how educators can use this resource to design curricula and support systems tailored to students’ needs. Early evaluation findings highlight its impact on student wellbeing and resilience. Ultimately, this work seeks to inspire Learning Developers to create innovative, equity-driven resources and curricula that support both academic and personal development, empowering students to thrive in a rapidly changing educational landscape.