Understanding University, the Ultimate Uni Podcast

For the final of three mini episodes, we speak to Paul, from our Fees and Funding Team. He shares the different financial packages available for students classed as refugees.  Our trio of episodes have been funded by our colleagues in Make Happen.   Based at the University of Essex, Make Happen are part of the Office for Students’ Uni Connect programme (formerly NCOP). They are one of 29 national partnerships that bring together teachers from schools and colleges, with universities and other local educational partners, to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college, to study a degree or take a degree apprenticeship.  https://www.makehappen.org/  https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/professional-services/student-wellbeing-and-inclusivity-team 

In the second we speak to Tracey, an Access & Wellbeing Adviser from our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) who shares more about the systems put in place to support disabled and SEN students during their transition into Higher Education and throughout their time at university.  Our trio of episodes have been funded by our colleagues in Make Happen.   Based at the University of Essex, Make Happen are part of the Office for Students’ Uni Connect programme (formerly NCOP). They are one of 29 national partnerships that bring together teachers from schools and colleges, with universities and other local educational partners, to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college, to study a degree or take a degree apprenticeship.  https://www.makehappen.org/  https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/professional-services/student-wellbeing-and-inclusivity-team 

This is the first of 3 bite size episodes focussing on students from particularly underrepresented groups at university. In today’s episode, we speak to Des, an Access & Wellbeing Adviser from our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) about the support available for care-experienced students.  Our trio of episodes have been funded by our colleagues in Make Happen.   Based at the University of Essex, Make Happen are part of the Office for Students’ Uni Connect programme (formerly NCOP). They are one of 29 national partnerships that bring together teachers from schools and colleges, with universities and other local educational partners, to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college, to study a degree or take a degree apprenticeship.  https://www.makehappen.org/  https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/professional-services/student-wellbeing-and-inclusivity-team 

Dedicated to adults who are interested in returning to learning, we speak to current adult learner Abi and tutor from ACL Essex Matt, who share their experiences of learning and teaching. Listen to their top tips to succeed and thrive as an adult learner whilst juggling student finance, child-care responsibilities and getting your head around technology and writing essays. #adultlearner #uniconnect #makehappenessex #outreach #itsnottoolate #LifeLongLearnerWeek #university #maturestudent #studying #studentlife #student #universitylife      Resources: https://www.makehappen.org/celebrating-lifelong-learner-week-on-7th-11th-november-2022/   https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/mature-undergraduate-students - for information about university, specific for adult learners/mature students check out UCAS’ range of  support.   https://www.life-pilot.co.uk/  - a great online resource to help adult learners progress to a higher level of study.   https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/mature-students-university-guide   https://www.gov.uk/mature-student-university-funding - student finance guidance for mature students   https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/what-is-an-access-to-higher-education-diploma - further information about the Access course   www.makehappen.org/academy - sign up for free and get access to a full suite of videos and vlogs to support your decision making and study skills   https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ - explore courses and opportunities local to you

Impatient to shape your future? At Essex, our variety of preparation courses help students get ready for the next stage of their educational journeys. We hear from Sean Duffy, local secondary school teacher, and Erin, a year 13 student, about their experience of the courses, and the importance of students preparing for their futures. Find out today how you can boost your skills through a dedicated preparation course.

Many university courses give students the opportunity to study abroad for a year allowing them to experience amazing adventures, meet new people and potentially study in another language. Hear from Farirai Manangazira, Student Recruitment and Marketing Assistant, who spent a year in Spain as part of her studies at the University of Essex. She shares the brilliant experience she had and how you can embark on your own international adventure.

Having positive wellbeing is always important, regardless of what stage of life you are in. Student life has its challenges, so we want to provide you with tips for improving and maintaining your mental health, and knowing what to do if you need a bit of extra help. Thomas shares his role as part of the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service, while Student Ambassadors, Dominika and Karen, discuss their experiences of using the University’s services and support.

It’s not always easy to determine what we’re good at, but it’s important to appreciate our strengths and weaknesses to help us focus on our goals and write fantastic university or job applications. In this episode we chat to Sarah Kelleway, Outreach Officer at the University of Essex, who has lots of experience working with students to help them succeed. Pick up some tools today to explore and discover your strengths, which will provide you with the confidence boost to initiate your next steps. Youtube video for the Johari Window exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aF-olRMuoQ

Are you writing a personal statement and not sure where to start? Perry and Jake, from the Essex Make Happen Team, share some top tips on how you can make the best university or job application. Listen to our dos and don’ts, how to structure the statement, and what to include; we’re also thrown back in time as Jake shares snippets of his own personal statement from when he applied for university. Listen now, to help you get started!

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to find your university. Recruitment Events Officer, Rosanna, and current student, Diego, provide all their Open Day experience to help you book and attend your own. Find out what to expect, some top tips on how to book, what to wear, who to take with you, and why it's an important part of your university research. Visit Essex: https://www.essex.ac.uk/visit-us

Most university students’ first experience of moving out is when they go to university but many other students decide to stay at home and commute to their institution instead. Hear from alumni students Ashleigh and Jordan in this week’s episode, as they share their living arrangements and the considerations they had to make. By exploring the lifestyle of a commuter student, and comparing it to a student who lives at university, we hope you’ll be able to better understand the available choices when it comes to choosing your university location and living arrangements.

When it comes to university, we know that students, parents and guardians have thousands of questions on their minds and sometimes it might be difficult to find the answer. We asked parents and guardians to send in their questions to us so we can answer them all in one handy episode. Find out what UCAS is, how students are financially supported and further tips to support your young person whilst they’re on their university journey.     #understandinguniversity #bonusepisode #parents #carers #guardians #parentsupport #universitylife #studentlife #supportingayoungperson #youngperson #guardian #university #student

Throughout the series we’ve spoken to a range of guests to provide many aspects of university lifeand in today’s episode we are joined by a parent of a current undergraduate student. Teresa shares her experience of supporting her young person through their higher education journey and we hope this provides further support and guidance for other parents, carers or guardians who are also embarking on this journey with their young person.

Ever wondered what the difference is between your teachers at school or college, compared to a lecturer at university? Dr Mike Rogerson, lecturer in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences and Dr James Canton, senior lecturer in the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies share their thoughts on their role, their teaching methods and what they get up to when they’re not teaching. You’ll also discover some tips on how to prepare for your university studies and find out what our guests value in their students.

In this week’s episode, we speak to Vinnosh Jaya Kumur, Vice President of Welfare for the University of Essex’s Student Union, to discuss the support available for students when they come to university. Physical and mental health are equally important and it’s important to know where to go and who to speak to when you have a worry. Listen out for some top tips on looking after yourself too, with some guidance on what to think about and expect when you move away from home. Subscribe for the podcast to receive updates and links for resources we signpost to in the episodes: https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity

Planning to go to university and want to know more about the accommodation options? Perhaps you’re not sure what you need to consider when moving out for the first time? In this week’s episode current students and student ambassadors Diego and Verneicia share their accommodation experience. From the variety of accommodation options, the application process and some tips on making your accommodation feel homely, their advice will help you to prepare for this part of your university experience. Subscribe to the podcast to receive updates and links for resources we signpost to in the episodes: https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity

Preparing for the next steps in your life? In this episode we speak to Jasmine Hill, Careers Information Advice and Events Manager at The University of Essex who shares some fantastic tips on how to be a standout student, advice on writing your CV and interview preparation. Whether it’s for a job, apprenticeship or university we hope this guidance will help you to feel confident and prepared for your next steps. If you know other students, teachers or parents who should listen to this please share our registration link: https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity Resources for finding out more about your future: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/planner https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/applying-for-jobs https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree https://www.essex.ac.uk/schools-and-colleges/sixth-form/resources https://www.essex.ac.uk/schools-and-colleges/secondary Resources for Interview tips: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips https://www.savethestudent.org/student-jobs/how-to-nail-your-interview.html https://www.studentjob.co.uk/application-tips/interview-tips https://www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/post-16-options/interview-tips Resources for CV & Cover Letters tips: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters https://www.savethestudent.org/student-jobs/write-great-cv-template.html https://www.studentjob.co.uk/info/the-standard-structure-of-a-good-cv%20%5BOLD%5D https://www.studentjob.co.uk/info/seven-tips-for-writing-a-good-cover-letter https://www.ucas.com/careers/getting-job/how-write-cv

Going to University isn’t just about studying. Current students, Rebecca and Timea, discuss what student life is really like and how important it is to find a balance between studying and socialising. This episode will help you discover how to make the most out of lectures, the reality of studying and the range of extra opportunities that universities offer. Get prepared for your future with this episode on student life. If you know otherstudents, teachers or parents who should listen to this please share our registration link: https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity Links to the courses the students study/studied: https://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/ug00222/1/ba-international-relations-and-modern-languages?startdate=2021/22 https://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/ug01052/1/llb-law-with-politics?startdate=2021/22 https://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/pg00637/1/llm-international-human-rights-law?startdate=2021/22 Resources for social & educational life at university: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life/how-to-write-an-essay https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life/getting-the-most-out-oflectures-and-seminars https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life/how-to-balance-work-and-study https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life https://graduatecoach.co.uk/enjoy-university-life/ https://library.essex.ac.uk/home https://www.essexstudent.com/colchester/ https://www.essexstudent.com/sport/ https://www.essexstudent.com/societies/findasociety/ https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/accommodation Subject talks and tasters: https://www.essex.ac.uk/visit-us/cant-visit-us/talks-and-tasters Continue the conversation with current students: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/chat

Want to find out how university is accessible and affordable? In this episode we cover how students can apply for student finance, including scholarships and bursaries to supportyour studies at university and some top budgeting tips to help you manage your money efficiently. Our student ambassadors, Rebecca and Ines, reflect on their own experiences to show that it is possible to be a student without living off pasta and beans! If you know other students, teachers or parents who should listen to this please share our registration link: https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity You can also chat to us: essex.ac.uk/life/chat about our scholarships and bursaries! Information about student finance and how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login https://www.ucas.com/sfe Information on Scholarships and Bursaries: Undergraduate Scholarships and Bursaries at the University of Essex: https://www1.essex.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/ug/scholarships/ https://www.ucas.com/finance/scholarships-grants-and-bursaries https://www.savethestudent.org/student-finance/student-grants-bursaries-scholarships.html Disabled Students Allowances - https://www.ucas.com/finance/additional-funding/disabled-students-allowances-dsas Resources and tools to help with budgeting: https://www.ucas.com/budget-calculator https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-budgeting-planner/ https://www.savethestudent.org/money/student-budgeting/student-budgeting.html https://www.bigoven.com/https://www.vouchercloud.com/vouchercloud-app https://www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/student-discounts

Choosing the right university course that suits you and your needs is an important part of the university research process. We’re joined bycurrent University of Essex studentsand Student Ambassadors,Megan and Matteo who help share the important factors to consider when choosing your course and how this helped them to find their course and university. Our ambassadors share some great tips, so get listening to begin your research! If you know other students, teachers or parents who should listen to this please share our registration link: https://bit.ly/UnderstandingUniversity Resources to support research when choosing a course: The University of Essex on-demand video on ‘Choosing a Course and a University' https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/ucas-undergraduate-what-study https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/choosing-a-course https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/choosing-a-course/how-to-choose-the-right-degree https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/choosing-a-course https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/courses https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/ucas-undergraduate-entry-requirements Resources to support research when choosing your university: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/how-to-choose-university https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/open-days-and-events/open-days-tips▪https://youtu.be/Y6XDk-ITsz4 https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/life/#choice