You don’t need another webinar to tell you the world feels off.
If you work in student affairs, you already know. You feel it in the energy of your students—or the absence of it.

Some days it’s quiet disconnection.
Other days it shows up as tension between students, staff, faculty, or just a general sense that no one wants to be in the room.

We’re not here to diagnose the cause or debate the headlines.
We’re just sharing what we’ve seen work, based on direct conversations with student affairs professionals in 2025.

1. Students are overstimulated but under-engaged

The average student is consuming more content than ever before, but absorbing less.
They scroll for hours, but won’t commit to one in-person event. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re tired and overloaded.

What’s working:

• Events that are calm, embodied, and don’t ask too much
• Experiences that give students permission to show up as they are
• Programming that doesn’t require emotional output or reaction

2. The world feels unstable, and students can’t ignore it

They may not bring it up directly, but students are tracking war, climate, elections, and fear of the future. It lives in the background of everything. Some are numb. Others are overwhelmed. Many are asking quietly, what’s the point?

What’s working:

• Programming that helps students feel grounded, not entertained
• Speakers and performers who read the room, not perform at it
• Events that don’t pretend things are fine, but still offer relief

3. Students want clarity, not noise

They don’t need another Canva flyer.
They want to hear from someone they trust: “Come to this. You’ll feel better after.”

What’s working:

• Student leaders and staff personally inviting students
• Messaging that is simple, human, and clear
• Fewer events, but more intentional ones

4. International students are holding more

International students are dealing with uncertainty at home and on campus. Some are navigating culture shock. Others are anxious about travel, politics, or safety. Many feel isolated.

What’s working:

• Small, inclusive gatherings with no pressure to perform or share
• Grounding practices, self-trust tools, and gentle peer connection
• Programs that address transition, not just celebration

5. Crisis planning is part of the programming calendar now

Climate events, protests, economic changes, student affairs teams are constantly adapting. Event planning now includes emotional backup.

What’s working:

• A mix of emotionally regulating and uplifting events throughout the term
• Experiences that create breathing space without forcing reflection
• Framing well-being around nervous system capacity, not mental health campaigns

Final Note

Something feels different this year. Students feel it. Staff feel it. And event programming is where it all shows up.

You don’t need to solve it.

You just need to offer one room where things feel steady.

Let that be enough.

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If you’re rethinking how to hold space on your campus this year, we’d love to help.

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At Metropolis, we support colleges and universities across the country with programming that meets the moment; whether it’s a speaker who can steady the room, a show that helps students exhale, or a performer who knows how to hold tension with care, we’re here when you’re ready.

metropolismanagement.com
Call or text us anytime at +1 510-342-9229
Or reach out directly to Libby (libby@metropolismanagement.com) or Michelle (michelle@metropolismanagement.com)

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