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