Episoder
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Three, four, five weeks in - first year university students are settling in, facing some challenges and asking some questions.
So we thought we would have a go at providing some answers to their questions.
The answers are not definitive, the aim - to provide suggestions for ways student can think about a particular challenge or situation and where appropriate consider what action they would like to take.
In this episode we respond to the question:
Suddenly all I want to do is go home. What is going on with me?
Take a listen to our reply. We hope it provides some helpful tips.
And if you like, follow up with some of the suggested resources shared at the end of the episode..
Listen to:
Episode 47: Lean into Student Life: Experiencing a Dip or Feeling Homesick, Five Tips to Help you Cope. HERE
Episode 23: The Wellbeing Bucket HERE
Also, go to Successful Student Transitions.com to find out more about the work we do and content and support that is available.
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In this short episode we give an answer to a students question.
Our answers aim to provide suggestions for ways students can think about a particular challenge, and where appropriate consider what action they would like to take.
In this episode we respond to the question:
I'm exhausted, it's been busy and stressful, what can I do?
Take a listen to our reply. We hope it provides some helpful tips.
And if you like, follow up with some of the suggested resources shared at the end of the episode..
Listen to:
Episode 81: Student Voices Marianne HERE
Episode 27: Wellbeing Fundamentals Do you Rest Enough? HERE
And Episode 23: The Wellbeing Bucket HERE
Also, go to Successful Student Transitions.com to find out more about the work we do and content and support that is available.
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Mangler du episoder?
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This is a great listen for students going to university and for parents, educators, counsellors, mentors who are supporting them in this transition.
In this podcast Evie has completed term one and is about to start term two.
Discover what Evie has to say about the following:
The usefulness of broad advice and the applying it to your experience.Setting priorities and managing demands with flexibility.The importance of taking care of yourself.Coping with a dip as part of the transition process.The benefit of knowing that everyone's university experience is unique to them.Additional listening related to this episode:
Episode 9, Nurturing Supportive Relationships HERE
Episode 28, Relationships Matter. HERE
Episode 29, Coping with Relationship Challenges HERE
Episode 26, eating healthily on a budget thank you so much for listening. HERE
For more resources, information and support go to SuccessfulStudentTransitions.com
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In this short episode we give an answer to a students question.
Our answers aim to provide suggestions for ways students can think about a particular challenge, and where appropriate consider what action they would like to take.
In this episode we respond to the question:
"I've met lots of people but I'm still feeling alone".
Take a listen to our reply. We hope it provides some helpful tips.
And if you like, follow up with some of the suggested resources shared at the end of the episode..
Listen to
Episode 39: Lean into Student Life - Five tips for making friends at university HERE
Episode 28, Well-being Fundamentals, Relationships that Matter HERE
Also, go to Successful Student Transitions.com to find out more about the work we do and content and support that is available.
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This is a great listen for students going to university and for parents, educators, counsellors and mentors who are supporting them in this transition.
In this podcast, Sam has his first university term under his belt and is just about to start term two.
Listen as Sam shares:
The questions he asked of friends and family to help prime himself for the move to university. How embracing small things helped give him a sense of meaning and enjoyment.Why an open mind in times of change is so important. His opinion of the link between effort and making new friends. The benefit of getting yourself organised. -
This is a great listen for students going to university and for the parents, educators, counsellors and mentors, who are supporting them in this transition.
In this podcast, we interview Marianne in her first year at university after a gap year. It's a conversation full of insights and helpful tips for students about to embark on their university journey.
Listen as Marianne shares:
The importance of knowing what the important aspects of university life are for you, is it place, the course, flexibility in studying, near to home or something else?The difference between learning at school and learning at university.The experience of the first term and how it can be a little overwhelming. The importance of choosing 'me time' in order to recharge your batteries, It's hard to put your best foot forward 24 - 7It's another transition when you go home for the Christmas break. -
This is a great listen for students going to University and for the parents, educators/counsellors/mentors who are supporting them in this transition.
In this podcast, Toby had just started University with all the newness of the first term behind him.
There are 5 important takeaways from Toby. Listen and find out what Toby has to say about the following:
It will likely be a journey of ups and downs. How does Toby suggest you cope?You have to grow up to become an adult very quickly, why does Toby say this?. Make the most of the first weeks, why was this important for Toby?What does Toby say about finding the optimal balance of student life?What does Toby suggest you do to balance the 'overload' that can be a common feeling at the beginning? -
In this episode the focus is on “the stayers”. At times of change, there will be some people leaving to go to a new place - a school, university or a new country. Time and effort is rightly focused on creating a good goodbye for the leavers.
And there will be people staying put who will be experiencing change as people around them leave.
They also have to learn to adjust to this change, something not of their making.
We likely have all have felt what it is like to be a leaver and a stayer at some point. As a stayer, were the changes and your responses ever acknowledged? It can be hard to be a stayer.
In relation to the university transition, students on a gap year and parents are examples of stayers.
Listen as Louise and Elizabeth discuss:
Who are the stayers and why it’s important to bring focus to this groupThe challenges of being a stayerUsing the RAFT framework to support stayersAnd if you are just starting university or responsible for young adults who are, take a look at our new course: Thrive in Your First Weeks at University: A framework for adjusting and settling well. HERE
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In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Christian about decision making and then applying to university as a mature student.
This is an important viewpoint as about a third of undergraduates in the UK are mature students.
Christian shares his story of facing a fork in the road about his future - looking for another job or making the move towards university. There were many of things to consider especially as he knew the world of work but didn't know any mature students. He now does!
Listen as Elizabeth and Christian discuss:
What steps helped Christian move towards being a university student. The positives and challenges of being a mature student The importance of seeing the bigger picture and understanding your WHY of higher education and beyond Support that universities can offer for this particular group of students Using your strengths and skills from your work experience to university life The advice that Christian offers to make this a successful transition -
As the summer holiday begins in the Northern Hemisphere, many students, teachers and parents are looking forward to some rest and relaxation after a busy academic year.
For many students this time represents the end of one stage of their education and the beginning of the next, a move from primary to secondary school, a transition to higher education, or maybe a move into the world of work.
In this episode, Elizabeth shares her professional insights into this time of year and how she supports students, parents and educators to embrace both endings and new beginnings.
Listen as we discuss:
Elizabeths reflections from her professional work at this time of year.
Four elements of the RAFT framework.
The importance of review and reconciliation.The value of affirmationThe rational for taking the time to make a good farewellThe positivity in thinking destination.A little of what we have got right and wrong during our past times of transition.
Why transitions are not all easy, there are both good times and bumps along the way.
The importance of self-compassion at this time.
A timely episode for this time of year.
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Exams over, results out, the long summer vacation begins. A time for re-connection between students, family and old friends. A time that brings joy and probably also 'some' frustration...
In this episode, we revisit Episode 55, first designed for the return home after term one at university. On re-listening we realised everything we said was relevant not just for that first return but for subsequent ones as well.
So, whether you are a student, parent or other family member, this episode is worth a listen as you all embark on The Return -:)
We discuss:
How student experiences will have varied and home life may have moved on. How to find the new balance.The importance of setting realistic expectations and communicating them.Why 'negotiation' may become the most helpful word of the summer.The value in good endings and new beginnings even when the transition is a mini one.A reminder to put your well-being at the heart of the holiday period. Rest and recovery.... and whatever else makes you feel well.Setting the scene for a positive return to university in September. -
We know the starting university is both an exciting and scary time.
For many students it is their first step into moving away from home and living independently.
Over the past 18 months on this podcast we've been exploring the question of what it means to thrive in times of transition as a student, and we believe we have reached some important conclusions.
In this episode we reveal why we believe a Transitions Blueprint will help students to adjust and settle well as embark on their move to university.
This follows on from Episode 74 where we shared our rational and foundations for the blueprint and why we believe it is necessary to make this kind of support available for students.
In this episode we discuss:
How our professional and personal experiences have been our source of inspiration for transition support. Why cultural agility forms part of the solution for times of transition. How our approach complements the support many universities aim to provide for students.The three tasks that we have to support students.Our approach and plans. -
We know the starting university is both an exciting and scary time.
For many students it is their first step into moving away from home and living independently.
Over the past 18 months on this podcast we've been exploring the question of what it means to thrive in times of transition as a student, and we believe we have reached some important conclusions.
In the next episode, episode 75 we reveal our Blueprint for Successful Student Transitions.
In this episode, we present our rational and the foundations for the Blueprint.
Here we:
Discuss the nature of change in the 21st century and ask, how well are we preparing student for this fast paced ever changing world?Outline the experience of university transition and explain why supporting students to thrive through this life change, provides an important template for future transitions. Share recent research into student wellbeing and mental health when starting university. Share our four foundations for the Blueprint for Successful Student Transitions. We hope you enjoy this episode. -
Welcome to Exam Smarts.
In this episode, we're excited to welcome Steve Schecter from MuchSmarter.com. Steve brings his wisdom of learning and tutoring experience to this inspiring conversation, packed full of engaging stories leading to pertinent lessons.
Listen to discover:
How to harness the power of expectations in a way that makes the most of potential.Wise words on the subject of perfectionism, why we need to stop believing all we think especially about our limitations.Steve's thoughts re GRIT and his preference for persistence of thought and habit.Why celebrating small gains is the way to win at exam/assessment preparation.The value in the exam experience for building important life skills - yes really!Steve's 5 powerful tips for approaching exam season with confidence.To learn more about Steve, go and read his inspiring story HERE
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Welcome to this episode where we celebrate student voices.
In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Anja about her educational journey and autism diagnosis.
Anja openly shares the highs and lows, the challenges and the ways in which she managed those challenges and survive her university experience.
It was not all plain sailing and Anja shares an important message for universities about supporting students who find socialisation challenging. It is not all about the academic support.
Listen as Elizabeth and Anja discuss:
The very positive support University Disability Services provided for Anja as she arrived and settled into the academics of university life. The challenges that arose, how Anja handled them, and how better support could have made a real difference to her experience. The importance of seeing the bigger and longer term picture - and university as a path to a positive future..The value of support outside of the university structure. Why it is so important to develop your ability to ask for help. -
Welcome to an episode where we celebrate student voices and specialist university support
In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Edward Mills, a postdoctoral research fellow at Exeter University. Edward is a lecturer in medieval history, a personal tutor and is actively involved in Transition Days and the Enhanced Induction Programme for new neurodiverse students. He was diagnosed as autistic at the end of first university degree. He enjoys talking and writing on autism and history - just two of his passions.
Listen to learn more about neurodiversity and if you have an autism diagnosis there are helpful pointers about applying to university and in gaining support.
They discuss
You are not alone if you have an autism diagnosis when going to university. The latest data from 2021-22 indicate there are at least 19,000 young adults making the transition from school to university. The university experience might raise some challenges AND it could well be a place to thrive. Neurodivergence and university can go well together. It can be a place to showcase your strengths and skills that could be easy and fun for you!Edward encourages you to be proactive in sharing your diagnosis as this will unlock doors to meet your needs. He explains how adjustments and ILPs ( Individual Learning Plans), that are created in collaboration with students, can bring a range of support. Parents can be involved in this process of transition.Reading stories of the experience of the transition to university can be helpful. These can be found on the Autism and Uni Toolkit below. Edward shared a number of helpful resources that support neurodiverse students through the transition to university. -
Welcome to an episode where we celebrate student voices.
In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Scarlet, an autistic PhD student who has experienced ups and downs in her 6 years of Higher Education.
It is a great conversation with Scarlet sharing her wisdom on the transition to university.
Listen to learn more about neurodiversity and if you have an autism diagnosis there are helpful pointers about applying to university and in gaining support.
They discuss
Doing the research on what support universities offer. This is usually though their Disability Service (DBS)It’s often a challenge to know about what support you might need at university because you don't know it until you get there. Your needs might change at different stages of your university experience.Scarlet’s skill in advocating for herself after a break from university. Making things happen for her and the students that come after her. The importance of focused support for autistic students e.g. burnout, scheduling work, noticing patterns of avoidance and developing reflection skills, preferably before the transition to university.Scarlet’s continued work to ensure the best support from her university and developing her skills to succeed. -
One of the health fundamentals we believe is the most neglected, is the importance of rest and recovery - and we’re not talking about sleep.
This is SO important at busy and stressful times such as exam season and here we revisit an episode first published last year.
We share:
The seven different ways we can choose to ‘rest’ and ‘restore’ our energy levels outlined by Sandra Dalton Smith in her book: Sacred Rest: Recover your life, renew your energy, restore your sanity. Which would be your favourite?Why developing a rest and recovery mindset is so important and why rest is essential for good work and helping us to prevent ‘slow self harm’ (Alex Pang).The signals we need to look out for that suggest we need to take more time for rest and recovery. What signals are you aware of? When do you ignore the signals?The ways in which we have been programmed to ignore our need for rest. What do you think gets in the way of you and rest?Ideas for taking more appropriate rest and recovery time. -
Exam time is looming and students are getting down to revision plans - and hopefully some effective revision!
But what makes studying effective? How can students get the most from the time they spend with their noses in their books?
In this episode: Bradley Busch from Innerdrive provides evidenced based strategies for students when studying for exams - he shares the following ideas:
There's a difference between what we like to do when we are studying and what’s effectiveStudying is challenging work and isn’t easy!What helps to makes knowledge stick and different ways to retrieve the knowledge you need in the examHow and why spacing - is an effective study strategyThe importance of starting your work early - we often underestimate the time we needWhy effort is contagious and how to harness its power.The NASA rocket metaphor and how it can propel you into work spaceThe truth in relation to distractions and their impact on the quality and quantity of learning - Se mer
