Busy Brains

It's October, students arrive or come back to campus and many things have changed. In this episode we look at how students experience and respond to change? What helps them adapt, embrace new possibilities, or push back. Tune in for maybe unknown internal perspectives on navigating change from the student point of view but also from the University point of view, as Laura Smith explains why the recent changes in Student Life& Support might be for the better.

Summer approaches, many students find themselves facing more questions than answers. In this episode, students share their thoughts about uncertainty: navigating the transition from campus to career, searching for internships and jobs and figuring out what comes next. Stepping into the unknown come with certain anxieties alongside positive excitement as you will hear in this episode that was recorded during a busy Student Health Day. 

Feeling pressure to live up to your family’s expectations? You’re not alone. 

This Busy Brains episode dives into the challenges students face when balancing personal goals with family hopes; whether it’s about careers, grades, or life choices. Hear honest stories, students perspectives, and practical ways to navigate those conversations while staying true to yourself. Huge thanks to Hatim Kara, RLA in Mercator College and guest for this episode for sharing his experience so openly and honestly.

It's Busy Brains again and in this episode we explore the quiet, often misunderstood experience of loneliness—what it feels like, where it comes from, and why it can persist even when we’re surrounded by others. Through personal stories and expert insights, we unpack the difference between solitude and isolation and how modern life shapes our sense of connection. Our guest in this episode is Abdelbasset Boudjerda, our Off-Campus Student Support Officer who shares his own personal experience with loneliness.

This is EP 7 of CU Busy brains where we talk about FOMO (fear of missing out): that nagging feeling that everyone else is doing something more exciting or meaningful than you. We explore how social media fuels FOMO, how it affects our wellbeing, and practical ways to manage it so you can feel more present and satisfied with your own experiences. A huge thanks to our guest Gabriela Yanez, our Community Coordinator in charge for the TOS Team and Clubs on campus as well as to one of her TOS Team members Matas Sidlauskas for sharing their insights.

This special episode, is released in alignment with CU's “What & Why Sexual Health” Awareness Campaign. We dive into sexual health education across cultures and why it matters on an international, culturally diverse campus. Our lovely Health Peer Mentors share insights from their educational backgrounds, reflecting on how sexual health is taught (or avoided) where they come from and how it’s perceived within their cultures. This episode highlights the importance of inclusive, accessible sexual health education that respects cultural differences while empowering students to make informed choices.

A huge thanks to Laura Smith, Head of Student Life & Support and our Health Peer Mentors who shared their perspectives.

Now that Students are back from winter break, returning from home, or a great winter adventure; homesickness can show up when we least expect it: back on campus. In this episode, we talk about what homesickness really is, why it happens, and how to cope with the mix of longing, guilt, and loneliness that often comes with it. Thanks to all students who opened up about this difficult topic for this episode, your honesty is highly appreciated! This episode is featured by Adilah Ponnurangam (Resident Life Manager in Mercator College), who herself left her home country to study and work far away from her family. 

In this episode, we dive into the surprisingly sneaky psychology of procrastination—why we do it, how it disguises itself, and what actually helps us break the cycle. Through relatable stories and science-backed strategies, we explore how to stop delaying what matters and start taking actions into our own hands. Tune in for practical tips, a few laughs, and the motivation you’ve been putting off.

A huge shoutout to Nina Abo Alatta from our Academic Advising Services Team who featured this episode as our guest.

In this episode, CU Busy Brains dives into the often-blurred line between Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the more common winter blues. While many students feel a dip in mood as the days grow shorter, SAD is a clinically recognized condition that can significantly disrupt daily life. Join us as we explore the symptoms, causes, and science behind both, and help listeners understand when a seasonal slump might be something more. With insights and practical tips, we break down how to recognize the signs, and how to support yourself—or someone you care about—through the darker months.

Big thanks to our guest Rudy Flores Soto from our Student Services Team who features this episode!

In our 2nd episode, we dive into the art of making friends — from breaking the ice to building real connections. Our guest Gabriel Sanchez Macías from the Residential Life Team shares his perspectives as he lived through the process of making friends on campus himself - form being a student to his new role as Residential Life Advisor. Tune in for honest stories, expert tips, and a reminder that it’s never too late to find your people.