
The Student Experience Podcast
Join Shaunagh, Head of Student Experience at the University of Chester, and Lily, President of Chester Students' Union, in conversations about all things Student Experience. From wellbeing and money to subject spotlights and tips on navigating university life, Shaunagh and Lily invite a new guest each month to offer insights, advice, and stories to help you make the most of your university experience. Whether you're a current student or thinking about applying, this podcast offers a supportive space to explore the highs and challenges of student life.
Episodes
53 episodes
Subject Spotlight - Criminology
In this episode of the Student Experience Podcast, Shaunagh and Lily take a deep dive into Criminology at the University of Chester. They’re joined by Dr. Paul French (Lecturer in Criminology) and students Leanne Peters and Sam Barlow to explor...
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Season 6
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Episode 9
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40:23

Supporting Students Throughout Ramadan
In this episode, Shaunagh and Lily are joined by Zeryab (Muslim Chaplain at University of Chester), Masoma (Student and Race Advocate) and Mariam (Student and President of Islamic Society also known as ISOC) to explore the significance of Ramad...
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Season 6
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Episode 8
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32:45

Spring into Sustainability
In this episode, Shaunagh and Lily are joined by Amy and Vivek from the University of Chester’s Sustainability Team to discuss the importance of sustainability and how students can get involved in making a positive impact on campus and beyond.<...
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Season 6
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Episode 7
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35:50

Alcohol Impact – Building a Healthier Culture on Campus
In this episode, Shaunagh and Lily are joined by Katie Moore from Student Services and Fiona from Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK) to discuss alcohol use on campus and the steps being taken to build a healthier, more inclus...
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Season 6
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Episode 6
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28:20

Looking After Yourself During the Festive Season
In this festive episode of the Student Experience Podcast, Shaunagh and Lily are joined by Summer, Vice-President Student Life to explore how to make the most of the holiday season. Whether you're staying on campus for the holidays, you're far ...
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Season 6
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Episode 5
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30:43
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Northwest Sexual Violence Awareness Week
Since recording this episode of the podcast, CSASS have made the very difficult decision to close. This is due to the ongoing challenges of securing and sustaining funding, an issue that affects so many small charity organisations. We would ...
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Season 6
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Episode 4
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32:19

Talk Money Week
In this episode, Shaunagh and Lily welcome Your Money Adviser, Carl Christie to talk everything Talk Money Week. Carl shares his insights into managing money during university, discussing common financial challenges students face and offering g...
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Season 6
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Episode 3
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30:52
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World Mental Health Day and Mind Over Mountains
In this episode, Shaunagh and Jonny welcome local adventurer Alex Staniforth to mark World Mental Health Day by exploring the positive impact of the outdoors and adventure on mental health. Alex shares his personal journey, discussing the chall...
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Season 6
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Episode 2
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34:11
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Welcome to UoC – Tips and Insights from Chester Students' Union
In this episode, we are joined by your brand new Chester Students' Union Officer Team, Lily (President), Adedayo (VP Education) and Summer (VP Student Life) to discuss welcoming students to our the new academic year. The officers share top tips...
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Season 6
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Episode 1
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40:07
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Reflecting on the 2023/24 Academic Year
In this final episode of the 2023-24 academic year, Shaunagh and Jonny recap the podcast's journey and share exciting plans for the future. This episode is unique as it doesn’t feature a special guest but instead looks back on the highlights an...
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Season 5
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Episode 12
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45:04

Refugee Week and Becoming a University of Sanctuary
In this episode, we welcome Sandra Hughes (Student Experience Projects Manager) to celebrate Refugee Week and discuss the vital support for sanctuary-seeking students.Sandra explains the terminology around displaced persons and shares th...
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Season 5
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Episode 11
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32:31
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Introduction to Autism and Autism Acceptance
In this episode, we sit down with Jo (Disability Support Officer - ASC Specialist) to delve into the topic of autism acceptance. We explore the challenges faced by individuals on the autistic spectrum, the importance of fostering a culture of a...
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Season 5
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Episode 10
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42:24

Embracing Diversity: Navigating Student Life as a Student with Multiple Differences
Join us in this insightful episode as we chat with AJ, a student with a multitude of differences, including disability, gender identity and sexual orientation. AJ shares their personal journey navigating university, offering valuable insights a...
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Season 5
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Episode 9
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38:49

Understanding Debt and Debt Management
In this episode, we chat to Carl (Student Money Adviser at the University of Chester) and Tom (Partnerships Developments Coordinator at Step Change Charity). We delve into the topic of debt and debt management. We get valuable insights on the c...
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Season 5
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Episode 8
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40:17

Introduction to Long Term and Chronic Health Conditions
In this episode, we chat to Emily (Disability Team Leader) and Kara (Deputy Director - Student Experience) about the impact of Long Term Medical Conditions (LTMC) on university students. We discuss the importance of bespoke reasonable adjustmen...
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Season 5
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Episode 7
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37:38

Unlock your Future - An Introduction to Social Capital
In this episode, we chat to Adam Crane (Access and Participation Manager) all about Social Capital. We explore what Social Capital actually means and discover why it's crucial in your student journey. Social Capital can support you to enhance y...
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Season 5
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Episode 6
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34:14

Money Saving Tips - Part Two
In this episode we chat with Carl Christie, Student Money Adviser in Student Services about some of his top money saving tips. Carl shares his expert insights on navigating the world of finance. This conversation contains practical advice that ...
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Season 5
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Episode 5
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47:03

Money Saving Tips - Part One
In this episode we chat with Carl Christie, Student Money Adviser in Student Services about some of his top money saving tips. Carl shares his expert insights on navigating the world of finance. This conversation contains practical advice that ...
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Season 5
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Episode 4
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39:07

World Suicide Prevention Day
Trigger Warning: Suicide DiscussionPlease be advised that this episode contains a sensitive conversation about suicide, mental health, and related topics. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotio...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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32:28

Residential Life - An Introduction to Living in University Accommodation
In this episode we chat with Maria Skinner (Residential Life Manager) about moving away from home and how to make the most of your time living in University accommodation. Maria shares stories, insights, and valuable advice on adapting to a new...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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36:47

International Student Guide to Studying in the UK
In this episode we chat with Thisanda Ayuka (Student and Race Advocate) about adapting to life in the UK as an International Student. Thisanda tells us more about what he found challenging about relocating to Chester and shares his favourite th...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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32:22

The Importance of Sleep
In this episode we chat with Georgina Peel (Wellbeing Team Leader) about the importance of sleep. Georgina tells us more about 'sleep hygiene', what it means and why it's important. Georgina shares her top hints and tips about how to optimise y...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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35:54

Being a Student and a Parent
In this episode we chat with Monika Dabrowska (Human Nutrition Student and Student Parent) and Steph Halsall (Wellbeing Adviser) about juggling parenthood with studying. Monika talks to us more about her experiences of being a student a...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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34:22

Becoming a Recovery Friendly University
In this episode we chat to Wendy Dossett (Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies) and Katie Moore (Student Engagement Project Officer) about becoming a Recovery Friendly University! Together they have played a significant ro...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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36:12

Introduction to Volunteering.
In this episode we chat with Jo Morison, Volunteer and Mentoring Manager at the University of Chester. Jo talks to us about the benefits of volunteering, from skills development to how volunteering can support your wellbeing. We discover ...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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39:12
