Successful Student Transitions - A Time to Thrive

Welcome to the final instalment of "Lean into Student Life Series for students adjusting to the first term at university It’s December and we’re guessing that as you head into the final weeks of your first term some of the academic realities are beginning to set in. You may have faced some academic highs and lows, maybe found yourself procrastinating when things have become a little challenging, a...

Life in the early weeks at university can be overwhelming—so much new to learn, do, and navigate. In this episode of Successful Student Transitions, Louise and Elizabeth share five essential tips for rest and recovery during your first term at university. Discover why: Rest is about so much more than just sleep Learn how to recognise when your body and mind are signalling the need for a break. Und...

This episode of "Successful Student Transitions: A Time to Thrive" features Gabriela Santacruz a child and adolescent psychotherapist who has many years of experience in Mill Hill International School, a day and boarding school in London. The conversation offers valuable insights for students on the move and for parents supporting them through changes. Drawing parallels between boarding life and t...

Starting university brings incredible freedom—but without the structure of school, it's easy to drift into unhelpful patterns. In this episode, we explore why establishing positive routines early is crucial for your wellbeing and academic success. Drawing on insights from students who've been through it, Louise and Elizabeth share five practical tips to help you unleash your organizational superpo...

You've made past the midway point and reading week. This is the perfect moment to pause, take stock, and celebrate how far you've come since unpacking those boxes in freshers' week. In this episode of this great Lean into Student Life Series, Louise and Elizabeth guide you through the critical mid-term period with five practical tips for finishing strong. Whether time is flying by or dragging alon...

You're about six weeks into your university journey, and if you're feeling a bit low, questioning your decisions, or missing home more than you expected—you're not alone. This is the dip, and it's a completely normal part of the transition process. In this honest and reassuring episode, Louise & Elizabeth tackle one of the most challenging aspects of university life: the inevitable dip in emot...

Six/Seven weeks in, it's time to celebrate your wins and set yourself up for success! You've survived your first few weeks/months at university, and that's worth celebrating. But between the social whirl of Freshers Week and settling into your new life, have you checked in with how you're really doing? In this episode, Elizabeth and Louise share five powerful strategies to help you review your pro...

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 c...

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 transition What...

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...

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. Startin...

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 dis...

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 adulth...

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 explore Why is hard to lea...

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 discuss How to support school leavers in ways that genuinely resonate with them Learning about the evolvi...

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....

When students embark on new adventures like starting university they can hit some challenges along the way: Friendship issues Academic disappointments Homesickness Overwhelm with so much to do It 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'...

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...

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 nest the lack of research yet the common exper...

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 fo...

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 t...

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 t...

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....

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 flexibil...

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 i...