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, money and campaigns to 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
47 episodes
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...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 3
•
30:52
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...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 2
•
34:11
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...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 1
•
40:07
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 12
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 11
•
32:31
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 10
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 9
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 8
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 7
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 6
•
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 ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 5
•
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 ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 4
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 3
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 2
•
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...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 1
•
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...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 10
•
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...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 9
•
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...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 8
•
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 ...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 7
•
39:12
Introduction to Menopause
In this episode we chat with Tanja Harrison, Lecturer in Clinical Sciences and Nutrition about Menopause. Tanja will provide an introduction, basic facts & terminology of the menopause and discuss the symptoms experienced by some women duri...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 6
•
35:05
Introduction to Counselling
In this episode we chat with Chris Brennan from Student Services about his role as a University Counsellor. We explore what counselling is (and isn't!). The benefits of speaking to a counsellor, how the process works, and how you can acce...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 5
•
47:52
Building a Positive Culture at the University of Chester
In this episode we chat with Katie Moore, Student Experience Project Office in Student Services about her role in building a culture within the university to ensure it is a safe, inclusive place to study, live and work. We discuss the wor...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 4
•
39:31
An Introduction to the Your Money Team
In this episode we chat with Ian Ashley, Financial Support Manager in Student Services about money, managing money and the services available to support our students with their finances. We reflect on recent national news stories about th...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 3
•
40:16