The Student Experience Podcast

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 and parent and some of the challenges of parenting and studying simultaneously. Monika shares her top hints and tips about how to manage the balance and why being a...

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 role at the forefront of national discussions which brought about the Pledge, with charity and partner Recovery Connections . The University of Chester is the second...

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 more about the range of volunteering opportunities available as a student. So, whether you want to volunteer with local charities, or on one of our many Student...

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 during this time. We discuss how menopause might affect our student body (not just those who identify as female, or experiencing symptoms!), what support is ava...

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 access support as a student at the University of Chester. Links to additional resources (click to access): Counselling Portal Pages Student Assistance Programme...

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 the 'Cost of Living Crisis' and how that might impact our University community. Links to additional resources:  Your Money Portal Pages - https://portal1...

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 work of the Unacceptable Behaviours Group, RESPECT and the SVLO service and talk about how students can get involved in supporting this positive culture at the Univ...

Our University community spans well beyond Chester. In this episode we discuss the student experience at some of our other sites; University Centre Shrewsbury, University Centre Warrington, and University Centre Birkenhead. For more info on this and future episodes follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on: Instagram: @uocshoutout Facebook: @uocshoutout Twitter: @uocshoutout Follow Univers...

This is a short introduction to the Student Support podcast and what can be expected from episodes in the year ahead. For more info on this and future episodes follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on: Instagram: @uocshoutout Facebook: @uocshoutout Twitter: @uocshoutout Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on: Instagram: @uocshoutout Facebook: @uocshoutout X: @uocshoutout

Tom Gambino (Mental Health Adviser) and David Clarke (Student Experience Manager, Shrewsbury) talk about mental health support available at the University of Chester. We also talk a little about the return to life after Covid and how that might be impacting on our mental health as we approach a new academic year. Some of the resources mentioned in this episode are: Mind: Coronavirus and your menta...

This episode we discuss the positive benefits of spending time in nature, and the impact it can have on our wellbeing. Wellbeing and Mental Health, Volunteering & Mentoring, and Chester Students Union are running a programme of events and activities for students all week. Find out more here . Follow us on Instagram @thestudentsupportpodcast Follow our Wellbeing team @uoc.happyhealthylife Follo...

For obvious reasons it feels like a lot of things have been on pause over the past year. At the University we're looking forward to a fresh start and finally being able to Press Play on 2021! We are starting to get excited about the new academic year in September and coming together as a University community. In this podcast we discuss the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and share tips for keeping our mi...

In this episode we chat with Eleanor Lewis, President of Chester Students' Union. We reflect on recent national news stories and how they might provoke conversation within our University, from Sarah Everard's murder and the debate about violence and attitudes towards women, to Megan Markle's TV interview and how as a society we approach conversations about mental health. We also loo...

A lot of us will have mixed emotions about what the next few months hold, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. In this episode we share some tips about what we can do to look after our mental health as we navigate the roadmap out of lockdown, and move tentatively towards the start of the next phase. 4th March 2021 also marks University Mental Health Day . This is a day to bring together the...

Depression is a term which is often overused and as with many mental health difficulties, it is poorly understood. We all have periods of our life when we experience sadness, but when these feelings persist and impact our lives significantly we may be looking at something more serious. This podcast explores what depression really is, and how to access support if you are being affected by it. You c...

For our first episode of 2021 we revisit a topic that feels worthy of another conversation.  On our first ever podcast episode we delved into the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and as we find ourselves once again living under the restrictions of lockdown we discuss ways of looking after your wellbeing in the current context. Although most face to face contact has stopped, please remember...

Anxiety is something that all of us experience. However when anxiety levels pass a certain point it can significantly impact our functioning and make daily life an overwhelming challenge. In this episode we talk about making sense of anxiety, and what we can do to manage if anxiety becomes a feature in our lives. Follow us on Instagram @thestudentsupportpodcast Follow our Wellbeing team @uoc.happy...

In this episode we talk about issues around equality, masculinity, 'lad culture', and the importance of challenging inappropriate attitudes and behaviours towards women. White Ribbon are the leading charity that is ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never com...

In this episode we speak to Sonya Jones, Service Manager from the charity We Are With You. We discuss some of the most commonly used substances, their effects, and some of the steps that can be taken to reduce harm and increase education around drugs. There is evidence that the onset of COVID-19 has led to an increase in illicit substance use amongst students, and the wider population (Neurosight,...

In part two we welcome Rebecca Hughes and Helen Cooper on to the podcast to discuss the support that the University offers to care experienced students, from pre-arrival through to graduation. Further details of that support package are available  here . Follow us on Instagram @thestudentsupportpodcast Follow our Wellbeing team @uoc.happyhealthylife Follow our Outreach and Widening Participation t...

In the first of a two-part episode on care experienced students and University we are lucky to be joined by Kerry Jones, one of our recent graduates who studied Applied Psychology at University Centre Shrewsbury. Kerry shares her inspirational story and discusses her own experiences of the care system, being a young mum, and achieving success at University.  The numbers of children in the UK care...

Emily Jones (Disability & Inclusion Team Leader) joins us to discuss the support that her team provides. There are currently over 2000 students within the University that have declared a disability to us, the most common being specific learning difficulties and mental health. In this podcast we discuss the areas of staff specialisms that exist at the University of Chester, and how much work go...

Once University starts and the initial excitement of a new beginning subsides, students can be left holding on to a lot of difficult and conflicting emotions. Thoughts such as ‘these people are nothing like me’, ‘why am I not having fun like everyone else’ and ‘this is not how I imagined’ are completely understandable and, whilst it might not feel like it, you can rest assured that there will be l...

World suicide prevention day was established in 2003 and is observed on September 10th each year with a view to raising awareness around what remains one of the most challenging global phenomena we face.  Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. The latest World Health Organisation statistics suggest that one person dies by sui...

The prospect of going to university can be terrifying and exciting all at the same time, and this has possibly never been the case more so than in the current global context. This first part of a two part feature looks at some top tips to prepare yourself for university, and will be followed closely by part two which sees us talking through some of the thoughts and feelings you might find yourself...