Successful Student Transitions - A Time to Thrive

Starting university can feel like stepping into a whirlwind of excitement, anxiety, and endless possibilities—especially when it comes to making friends. You might be wondering if you'll find "your people," worried about eating alone, or comparing yourself to others who seem to be clicking instantly with their new flatmates.In this episode of Successful Student Transitions, Louise and Elizabeth cut through the friendship frenzy with five practical, reassuring tips to help you navigate those crucial early weeks. They'll help you understand why making friends feels so challenging right now, remind you of the skills you already have (yes, you really do!), and give you concrete actions to take.Whether you're in your first weeks or nearing reading week, this episode offers a realistic, compassionate guide to building the friendships that will carry you through university—and maybe even become lifelong connections. Because here's the truth: everyone's finding this challenging, and that's exactly why being the one to say "hi" makes all the difference.

Welcome to the first episode in our new series: Lean Into Student Life for first year university students.In today's episode, we're breaking down exactly how to navigate these crucial first weeks when everything feels uncertain and you're basically living on adrenaline and instant noodles.Here's what you'll discover:Why feeling unsettled and uncertain is part of this process of transitionWhat mindset, stretch and elastic bands all have in common.How to tap into strengths you already have but forgot aboutHow curiosity can be your secret weaponHow to start writing your new story from day oneRegister for Lean into Student Life Show Notes and Full Programme HERE

Results Day over you may find you are feeling overwhelmed by the gap between your university dreams and reality? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster that follows results day and explore why that 'meh' feeling or sudden doubt about your choices isn't a red flag—it's valuable data. Whether you're questioning your course, worried about finances, or simply feeling stuck in the 'messy middle' of major life change, we'll give you some practical suggestions to help you navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.Listen as we discuss:Where this feeling of mixed emotions may be coming from and why it's not unusual..We introduce the messy middle in periods of transition and why this is relevant to now.We give some suggestions for what to do if you're having doubtsWe explain why doubts are not necessarily red flags and more represent important data.Why personal choices are so important in making your next step decisions.Why talking it out helps.Additional resources:Podcast HEREEpisode 1 Beat the Transition BluesEpisode 80 Top Tips for Freshers as They Start University with TobyCheck out our course: THRIVE in the Transition to University HERE"Navigate your transition with confidence and excel throughout your university journey"

Ready to turn your university journey from overwhelming to empowering?Whether you're a student preparing for this exciting next chapter or a parent supporting someone you love through this milestone, you're probably experiencing a mix of anticipation and butterflies. That's not just normal—it's exactly how many people feel when embarking on something new, important and meaningful to them.Starting university isn't just about packing your boxes or picking up new textbooks. It's about stepping into a whole new version of yourself, and like any meaningful journey, it comes with both opportunities and challenges. It can feel daunting and the good news is you don't have to navigate this transition alone.Introducing "Thrive in Your Transition to University" our online course designed to be our source of support for this amazing adventure.In this episode, Elizabeth and Louise warmly share:The real story behind student transitions—understanding why this feels big (because it is!) and discovering the support that makes all the differenceWhy this course isn't just helpful, it's essential—think of it as your secret weapon for not just surviving, but truly thriving in your first yearA behind-the-scenes look at how we've designed every element to meet you exactly where you are and guide you confidently forwardHow your online companion works—flexible, accessible support that adapts to your unique journey and timelineYou're about to start an exciting journey. Learn how we can support you to build your personal transition blueprint for a great university experience.Ready to transform your transition? Listen in, then visit www.successfulstudenttransitions.com/transitioncourse to discover how to thrive from day one.

Whether you’re a student about to start university, a parent, an educator, a counsellor, or a mentor, this episode is packed with honest insights and real talk to help navigate the transition to university. Corinne, now heading into her third year, takes us back to where it all started. She shares what the early days really felt like and the choices that made a difference for her. Listen as we discuss:The value of different friendships and tips for finding your people in those early weeksGetting the academics working well with subjects that motivate you and study routines that workLiving at home while studying; the pros, cons and what to considerSome tough stuff: adjusting to new academic demands, burnout, thoughts about dropping out, setting realistic expectations about university, resists, joining clubs or not. Taking care of yourself when life is full on and when it suddenly isn’t. Go to our blog to read our associated blog post summarising the key points from this conversation HEREIf this podcast has sparked an interest in preparing well for your starting university, Learn more about our online course Thrive in Your Transition to University HEREListen to the Nurturing Relationships episode mentioned in this episode HERETo hear Lindsay, a Sixth Form Head share ideas for supporting university transitions go HERE

This episode of "Successful Student Transitions: A Time to Thrive" features Jillian Reilly, author of the upcoming book: The 10 Permissions, in a discussion about navigating profound change in today's unpredictable world. The conversation directly addresses how traditional models of security and success no longer serve us, particularly for young people transitioning from education to early adulthood.The conversation provides crucial insights for both students feeling lost and parents grappling with their fears about their children's future, urging them to foster space for individuals to find their own path.Listen as we discuss:The career and choices that informed Jill’s current work and insights on navigating changeWhy the old script is broken and what this will mean for how we move forward in the futureThe declining tole of tradition and the need to embrace an unfamiliar futureThe need for individuals to cultivate internal security and the role of personal agency and choice as one’s ‘greatest power and tool’.The importance of listening to intuition and building a ‘toolkit’ of capabilities and experiences rather than seeking a fixed ‘lifetime identity’.The Ten Permissions created by Jill that offer practical framework for individuals to "flip the script" from "following the way to finding your own way,"Learn more about Jillianl and her work HERE, Pre-order her book The Ten Permissions HERESubscribe to Jillian's Substack account HERELearn about our course: Thrive in Your Transition to University HERE

If you've just finished your exams and your mind is still revving like it's racing to the next question—you’re not alone. Still reviewing answers in your head? Mentally listing essay points while brushing your teeth? Yep, we get it. And so this podcast is exactly what you need.Join Elizabeth and Louise as they dive into the post exam state of mind. In this podcast, they exploreWhy is hard to leave the exam world behind and why this might be the caseHow finishing exams marks another ending in the midst of other changesOur mind’s negativity bias and how to get some short term distraction or longer term relief from nagging thoughtsThe power of asking for help as a positive move.Learn more about our upcoming course: Thrive in Your Transition to University HEREWant to think more about Minding Your Mind listen to Episode 3 HEREWant to discover more about Self-Compassion listen to Episode 4 HEREWant to learn more about transitions then Episode 1 Beat the Transition Blues HERE and Riding the Waves of Change Episode 2 HERE

Whether you're a parent guiding your young adult going to university, a teacher working in transition care, or a student standing on the edge of life beyond school — this is the podcast for you. In the podcast, Elizabeth interviews, Lindsay, a very experienced Head of Sixth Form.Together they discussHow to support school leavers in ways that genuinely resonate with them Learning about the evolving needs of university students and bridging this gapUsing resources to create opportunities for group discussion and shared experiencesBuilding a strong community with transition taking a central role. And, generously, she shares her own change mindsetRegister for our free webinar: A Blueprint for Successful University Transitions, mentioned in the podcast HERELearn more about our upcoming course: Thrive in Your Transition to University HERE Listen to our Student Voices Episodes starting HERE and HERE

Are you a parent whose child will leave home this autumn to go to university? Or maybe your child is preparing or has even left on a gap or placement year abroad?We know this can be a challenging time of transition for our teens and young adults. And it also represents a time of significant transition for parents too.For parents this marks the end of one life stage and the beginning of another. Often, parents have mixed emotions about the experience as they juggle this ending alongside career pressures, elderly parents and other children all at the same time.In this episode Louise speaks to Kim Stokes from Kindness for Success about how parents can support themselves through this time of transition with kindness.In this episode we discuss:The importance of recognising that this is a transition for both parents and their young adults.Why times of transition like this can feel challenging.What parents can do to show themselves kindness.Why it is important that this is modelled for our children.Kim shares her K.I.N.D framework helping parents to balance encouragement, support and self-care, ensuring kindness remains at the heart of this transition journey.You can download a copy of Kim’s K.I.N.D framework HERE for free and learn more about Kim HEREOther episodes which may be of interest to parents:Empty Nest Reflections: Fresh perspectives with Professor Paul Grantham Episode 89 HEREA Parents Story: Pippa. Navigating the Waters of University Transitions, Episode 88 HERECaring for Yourself When You’re the One Who Remains: A Message for Stayers In Times of Change & Transition Episode 79 HERE

When students embark on new adventures like starting university they can hit some challenges along the way:Friendship issuesAcademic disappointmentsHomesicknessOverwhelm with so much to doIt is at these times it is important to be your own best friend. In this episode, Kim shares:Why self kindness is so important.What self kindness looks like, and why it is definitely not about being 'soft' on you.Why and how kindness is contagious and why it's worth spreading it around.Her Self Kindness Compass, you can download the Tool Kim guides us through in this episode HERE.Learn more about Kim HEREEnjoy the episode and if you want to listen to more on the topic of self-care and self-compassion these episodes will be helpful:Nurturing Self-Compassion Episode 5 HEREUnderstanding Our Inner World Episode 32 HERE

This is a great listen for students who are about to go to university and for teachers and parents who are supporting this transition.In the podcast, Elizabeth interviews Diana as she talks of Wise Effort focused work with college bound students and those who are new to university life. She reminds us that it’s a time of rapid growth and opportunity for young adults with the need for intentional care.Listen to Diana as she shares her experiences, encourages self-reflection through questions and leads us in a meditation practice that connects us with others.Preparing the practical and psychological ground to prime students for successThe role of self-care and self-compassion.How Diana chartered her own path at college with her mess becoming her message.Exploring and living your values as a guide to being your bestWise Effort through being curious about where you put your energy to do the things you want to do.Dr Diana Hill is based in Santa Barbara California. She is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker and leadership coach on Wise Effort and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Website https://drdianahill.com/servicesHer podcast – Wise Effort is a great listen.Number of publications: ACT Daily Journal and The Self-Compassion Daily Journal – both could be useful self-study guides to the move to university. Diana's new Book – Wise Effort will be available in September 2025

This is a great listen for parents to listen and reflect on their experience when their young adults leave home. In the podcast, Elizabeth interviews Paul who has been taking a deep dive into the empty nest world. Listen to Paul as he talks about the empty nest as a a transition experience that needs attention and adjustment the myths around the empty nestthe lack of research yet the common experience common issues around this transition time words of hope for parents about the empty nest.

This is a great listen for parents who are supporting and sending their young adult off to university. In this podcast, Elizabeth interviews Pippa who has a wealth of experience of change. As a family they have lived in many countries and they all have experienced big changes. She has successfully launched two young adults to university. Listen as Pippa talks about :The uncertainly that exists for students until they have the email/letter that confirms their place at university. How everyone has a different experience of the move to university Her view of the “empty nest"Some important attitudes and behaviour to encourage in your young adults, especially at this time of change. Further Listening:Episode 79: Caring For Yourself When You Are the One Who Remains: A Message for Stayers in Times of Change HERE

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:"It's been a crazy fun packed time, how do I get down to work?"Take a listen to our reply, we hope it provides some helpful tips and ideas. Also, follow up by listening to some further resources:Episode 60 - Advice for First Year Students Returning After the Winter Break. HEREEpisode 7 - Tomorrow Will Do - Procrastination HEREEpisode 6 - Why it Helps to Ask HERESuccessful Student Transitions

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. HEREEpisode 23: The Wellbeing Bucket HEREAlso, go to Successful Student Transitions.com to find out more about the work we do and content and support that is available.

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 HEREEpisode 27: Wellbeing Fundamentals Do you Rest Enough? HEREAnd Episode 23: The Wellbeing Bucket HEREAlso, go to Successful Student Transitions.com to find out more about the work we do and content and support that is available.

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 HEREEpisode 28, Relationships Matter. HEREEpisode 29, Coping with Relationship Challenges HEREEpisode 26, eating healthily on a budget thank you so much for listening. HEREFor more resources, information and support go to SuccessfulStudentTransitions.com

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 HEREEpisode 28, Well-being Fundamentals, Relationships that Matter HEREAlso, go to Successful Student Transitions.com to find out more about the work we do and content and support that is available.

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.