Virtual hangouts: Exploring student needs through an online social support strategy

• Social interactions are crucial in creating a safe learning environment. • Online platforms can enhance interactions between staff and students. • The online mode of delivery is an effective means of providing student support and fostering learner safety. The social aspects of university life were crippled during the pandemic period, resulting in dis-engaged online. To enhance social connectivity and transition into university a pedagogic innovation, the virtual hangout, was implemented. To explore first year student experiences of online social support sessions (Virtual Hangouts) and understand how these sessions facilitated their transition into university. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone and/or videoconferencing for ten nursing students who were enrolled at a major Australian university and consented to voluntarily participate in the study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged from the study namely: dislocated learning, the importance of social connection, orientation to university life, ‘just in time’ literacy support and a safe environment. Findings from this study can be used to create new strategies that provide ongoing support for the learning needs and wellbeing of students. Online platforms can be utilised to deliver flexible support strategies and cultivate social connections between staff and students outside formal classroom structures.