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Today’s must-have features for university websites transform them into mission-critical tools for connecting students, faculty, and institutions.
The demands placed on higher-education websites have never been greater. Prospective students use them to make life-changing decisions and faculties depend on them for research and administration.
Universities must now ensure their websites are dynamic, intuitive, and future-proof.
That's because expectations not only have changed but also continue to evolve. Students want fast, seamless, and personalized digital experiences. A clunky website can drive them away before they even apply.
So, how can university websites keep up?
They must embrace cutting-edge technology or risk losing relevance.
You'll learn what that means in the following minutes.
To not only survive but thrive in the fast-changing world we live in, university websites must embrace technology. And when it comes to websites, that means the latest features.
Here are seven essential university website trends you need to know about to meet the needs of the modern online audience.
Students expect instant answers. They don’t want to dig through outdated FAQs or wait on hold.
To address this need, AI-driven chatbots provide immediate, accurate responses. They also streamline administrative processes and enhance engagement.
Universities integrating chatbots gain an edge because they create smoother experiences and lighten administrative loads.
Students want guidance and a personalized dashboard keeps them on track.
AI analyzes performance, suggests courses, and even predicts career paths. The more tailored the portal, the better the student experience.
A well-designed portal boosts retention and gives students confidence in their journey.
Most students browse university websites on their phones. If a site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s already outdated.
Accessibility isn’t optional either. Everyone, regardless of ability, must navigate effortlessly.
OPTASY’s work with OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) is a prime example.
After their Drupal-based site was modernized, mobile responsiveness dramatically improved, ensuring prospective students could easily explore OISE programs from any device. OPTASY’s development also focused on WCAG-compliant accessibility standards, ensuring equitable access for all users.
Prioritizing mobile and accessibility ensures no user is left behind.
Students shouldn’t struggle to find information. An effective search function saves time and frustration.
With AI-enhanced search tools, university websites get:
Key thing to remember here: higher education websites must act as a guide, not a maze.
Students want to experience campus life before setting foot on campus.
A well-executed virtual tour offers that opportunity. It brings the university to them.
Berklee College of Music’s redesigned site, built by OPTASY, reflects the power of immersive content. With a striking visual experience and intuitive user flow, the site engages prospective students emotionally and intellectually, long before their first visit. The digital storytelling approach keeps users exploring for longer and builds stronger interest in campus life.
A great virtual tour sells the campus before a student ever visits.
Everything a student needs should be in one place. A well-designed portal centralizes academic and administrative tasks.
An integrated portal simplifies student life. and eliminates unnecessary stress.
A great website is useless if no one finds it. Search engine optimization increases visibility and engaging content keeps visitors coming back.
Content must be engaging, searchable, and shareable to meet the needs of the modern user.
Drupal stands out as the top choice for universities. Its flexibility, scalability, and security make it the ideal platform for higher education institutions. Universities require robust and accessible content management systems that can handle vast amounts of data while ensuring a seamless user experience. Drupal delivers.
Many top universities worldwide use Drupal to power their websites. Its open-source nature means continuous innovation and community support. For institutions looking to future-proof their digital presence, Drupal is the best choice.
OPTASY understands the changing digital landscape. It helps universities build powerful, adaptable, and innovative websites.
With OPTASY, universities don’t just keep up. They lead.
University websites must do more than inform. They must engage, assist, and inspire. AI, personalization, and immersive content define the future. Institutions that embrace these advancements stay ahead.
Partnering with experts like OPTASY ensures universities do more than meet expectations. They exceed them.
Get in touch with us today to start designing your website for the future.
We’re excited to hear your project.
Let’s collaborate!