The Belonging Game

By encouraging open dialogue about lived experiences, values, and perspectives, the game helps create more inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and supported.

Developed by a team of academics and successfully piloted at the University of Exeter, this game has been integrated into first-year Medical Sciences tutoring and is being rolled out at five UK universities. It has been described by educators at the Advance HE Student Engagement Conference as a “low-key therapy session,” highlighting its ability to strengthen student connections and engagement.

This game is ideal for academic tutors, student engagement officers, widening participation teams, and heads of department looking for practical tools to support student inclusion. Beyond universities, youth workers, charities, and even families can use it to encourage deeper conversations and cultural understanding.

For universities, a typical undergraduate teaching department with 200 students would need between 5 and 20 game sets, depending on session formats and student engagement levels. By integrating this game into educational settings, institutions can help bridge the awarding gap and support students from minoritised and international backgrounds in building stronger peer networks for long-term success.