The beginning of the semester is chaotic. Enrollment, getting the books, settling up, you know the drill. And for newcomers it is even more challenging. I remember the royal madness at the bookstore every time a new semester started. Everyone tried to grab the books amidst a swirling human tide. I witnessed contortionist moves that would make Cirque du Soleil proud, armlocks that—I’m sure—inspired some of The Rock’s best movements in wrestling, etc. And don't get me started with the rumbling. And the crowd.

 

I preferred to visit the bookstore at quieter hours, but I had no luck. It was always packed. It felt like I was the leading actress in one of the movie saga Mission Impossible. However, I knew that anything I needed, from a sharpener to my book of Psychology 101, was there. In retrospect, I wish eCommerce existed back in those days. That would have probably been helpful, granting me more time to spend in the library - my favorite place - studying vampires and the witches of Salem. Yes, I admit it. I was am a weirdo. Hi!

Oh, my! Let’s defeat the bookstore monster

Online shopping is incredible for student life. Wouldn’t it be great to buy everything you need online from the comfort of your dorm or apartment? Even better, you log in, get the list of the books you will buy depending on your classes, click some buttons, and voilà! Once you complete your buy, you can make the arrangements to pick your purchase up at hours that suit you better. But books are only a part of the bookstore. Think about the days the basketball team plays (or any university’s team): people rushing to get your merchandise and get ready to cheer for your school. Everything can be done in no rush if you use eCommerce.

Enrollment day doesn’t have to be survival of the fittest

The average full-time student enrolls in 5 to 6 classes per semester in the US. If you multiply that by the total number of students enrolled, you will realize that a great way to save time is with an eCommerce store. No more endless waiting lines and different payment methods in your palm, under your thumb, using your mobile. The accounting department will surely appreciate this. Are you worried that the system will crash on enrollment day due to the number of people? Fear not, since you can make it scalable. And what is scalable, you might wonder? Non-techie explanation: the server can expand its capacity on demand and decrease when it is not. Not only will it make your students’ lives easier, but it will also work great for the staff.

Help yourself. We have a strong (and big) learning menu

Postgraduate degrees, Masters, and specialized classes: your educational institution has countless courses. Think about the time you save for future students that have already graduated. Once they are admitted, they don’t have to wait for the date to enroll. They don’t have to go to the university and take time off since they can do it from home through eCommerce. Even better, you are letting everyone know what exactly is your educational offer, a kind of a learning menu from which they can apply and, after admission, use the same platform to pay in advance.

More great ideas where eCommerce can help you

These are only 3 of the reasons to consider when implementing an eCommerce platform at your university. I can think of some other reasons: parking, for example. You can develop an app that can make reservations for your parking space. You can have the option to buy your spot for the semester or the whole academic year. Yes, that’s eCommerce, too. Even to pay for the transfers to and from the school building. Again, think of all the time-saving not only for your students but also for the staff.

 

At Awkbit, we know how important it is to provide the best benefits to your students and the academic staff. We can rebuild your site, creating a great digital experience. If you are wondering how you can provide better solutions for the faculty, we have the right strategy. Let’s build your online presence as high as your university’s reputation.

 

+1 (786) 321-3247 Mara Destefanis - Marketing

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