Bringing student life to UCAS fairs through 360º film

Client

University of Suffolk

Sector

Education, Arts and Culture

Tech

Virtual Reality (VR), Immersive Apps, 360° Video and Virtual Tours

A portal to student life

As one of the UK’s newest universities, the University of Suffolk needed a fresh and memorable way to stand out at UCAS fairs. We created a 360º mobile app that gave prospective students an immersive preview of university life – allowing them to explore the campus, discover courses and experience the atmosphere as if they were really there.

The challenge

Competing with more established universities, the University of Suffolk needed to attract attention and spark curiosity among prospective students. As the newest university in the UK, it lacked the legacy and name recognition of older institutions, so it was essential to make a strong impression. The challenge was to create an experience that felt innovative, informative and personal – something that could cut through the noise of busy UCAS fairs and drive meaningful engagement. It needed to give students an authentic sense of what life at the university was like, while encouraging them to take the next step and apply.

The process

We developed a 360º mobile app designed as a “portal” into student life. The app combined course overviews with immersive 360º films that showcased different aspects of the university experience – from facilities and teaching spaces to campus life. At 26 UCAS fairs, visitors could view the content using VR headsets, then scan their details to receive a branded Google Cardboard for use at home. Each headset included a call to download the app, enabling students to continue exploring after the event. The campaign successfully bridged physical and digital engagement, extending the university’s reach beyond the exhibition space.

The outcome

The 360º app proved to be a highly effective recruitment tool. Students were able to experience the University of Suffolk virtually, giving them both insight and inspiration. The initiative achieved a 10% increase in on-stand scans compared to the previous year and led to thousands of app downloads, demonstrating strong follow-up engagement. By pairing immersive content with a tangible takeaway, the experience helped the university stand out at UCAS fairs and position itself as forward-thinking and student-focused. It offered a powerful way for a new university to compete with more established institutions – by letting students see and feel the difference for themselves.