First impressions matter – and the welcome pack you hand a new international student sends an immediate message about your institution’s values. That’s why going green with your onboarding materials is a simple, visible step that shows genuine environmental commitment from day one. 

Ditch the printed handbook

Bulky printed handbooks are costly, quickly outdated and rarely get read in full. Instead of these, offer a QR code linking to a digital welcome hub that’s easy to update and accessible on any device. Include video guides, interactive maps and multilingual support to make the experience more engaging for international arrivals.

Swap disposables for something that lasts

Rather than plastic-wrapped freebies, offer thoughtful sustainable alternatives. Things like a branded reusable water bottle, bamboo cutlery set or cotton tote bag send a clear message about campus values whilst giving students something genuinely useful throughout their stay.

Help students navigate local recycling

Many international students arrive unfamiliar with local recycling systems, which vary significantly between countries. Include clear, visual guidance on waste sorting in your welcome materials. Knowing how to recycle correctly from the outset helps students adopt sustainable habits quickly and feel more confident in daily life.

Make getting around easy and green

Provide a simple guide to local public transport – bus routes, train maps, cycling hire schemes and student discount cards. As we explored in our post on what makes a study destination truly sustainable, accessible transport infrastructure shapes how sustainably students live day to day.

Share sustainable living tips

Include a short guide to living sustainably in your destination. Include information on local farmers’ markets, refill shops, second-hand shops and community green initiatives. This positions your school as a helpful gateway to the wider community whilst reinforcing an environmental culture beyond campus.

A green welcome pack costs no more than a traditional one but communicates your values far more effectively, with small, thoughtful choices at the onboarding stage setting the tone for a student’s entire experience.

Written by Stephanie Clark