In this graduation day special of Connections Corner, Ivana and Hesham sit down with the amazing Manpreet, an international student graduating from University of Gloucestershire and the newly crowned Miss Gloucester International.
Filmed at Cheltenham Racecourse on one of the biggest weeks of the year, this episode dives into friendship, independence, culture, nerves, celebrations, and what it really feels like to walk across the stage after years of hard work.
✨ In this episode:
• What graduation week is really like behind the scenes
• Manpreet’s journey from Delhi to Gloucestershire
• Finding independence, overcoming challenges, and building a new life
• Her family’s reaction to her studying abroad
• How she became Miss Gloucester International
• The charities she supports and why volunteering matters
• Advice for new and future international students
• The importance of finding your people and building your community at uni
🎓 Thinking about joining University of Gloucestershire?
Connect with us on Instagram at @uniOfGlos, join our broadcast channel, or visit the website to speak to our team. We’re here to help you find your place and make university feel like home.
Thanks for watching — don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us next week for more stories, more laughs, and more Connections Corner moments.


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Grab your cuppa (or your Tesco’s finest prosecco 🍾) because this week’s Connections Corner is pure chaos and comfort in equal measure.
Hosts Ivana and Hesham catch up with journalism graduate Jordan Renwick, who talks about:
🎓 Her upcoming graduation (and her fear of falling on stage)
💡 The unforgettable Newsweek that made everyone cry (and bond for life)
🦆 The great campus duck-feeding debate
🥴 The most questionable student meals ever sent in (gravy pasta, anyone?)
☕ The wholesome reality of coffee-fuelled deadlines and library “office hours” with friends
It’s funny, nostalgic and very UoG — full of inside jokes, heartfelt advice, and the kind of laughter you can only get when your best mates are in the room.
🎧 Listen now to find out how Jordan went from nervous commuter student to confident journalist ready to cross the stage (in heels 👠).


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This week on Connections Corner, Ivana and Sam chat with Dr Jordan Wintle, Associate Head of the School of Education, Health and Science at University of Gloucestershire. Dr Wintle shares his journey from student to lecturer, his tips on making the most of university life, and how to turn study into real-world success. From placements and partnerships to motivation and belonging, this episode is all about finding purpose, building connections, and growing your career at UoG. Follow @uniofglos and catch new episodes every Wednesday.

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It’s spooky season at University of Gloucestershire! 🎃 In this Halloween special, hosts Hesham and Ivana are joined by Layan and Freya, two third-year Drama and Performance students, for a lively chat about all things Halloween — from their favourite costumes and films to performing Shakespeare in a stream and making friends through creativity. The group also dive into what it’s like to study Drama and Performance at UoG, how collaboration between courses helps students grow, and what “connections” really mean when you’re at university. Plus, stay tuned for a hilarious round of The Wheel of Misfortune — a spooky student spin on “would you rather” that gets out of hand fast! Whether you’re into student life, acting, or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with stories, chaos, and a lot of personality. 🎙️ Guests: Layan and Freya

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We’re back with Part 2 of our “Getting Cosy & Connecting with Your Community” special — and this time, we’re taking the conversation online. 💻✨ Join us again on Connections Corner as we chat with Holly, our UoG social media admin, about building real friendships in digital spaces and using social media for good. From supportive group chats to networking on LinkedIn, we’re exploring how online connections can boost your uni experience — and even kickstart your career. 🚀 This episode dives into:

• Making meaningful friendships through social media 💬
• Staying authentic online (and avoiding burnout) 🌿
• How online communities can open career doors 💼
• Using your platforms to inspire and uplift others 💫
• Holly’s tips for building your personal brand with confidence 📱

🎧 Filmed at Park Campus in the TV Production Studio, this cosy chat will leave you inspired to connect, create, and put your digital self out there in a positive way. 👉 Missed Part 1? Go back and catch up on our chat about IRL connections, autumn vibes, and finding your people at uni!

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It’s finally happening… we’re revealing who’s behind the UoG socials! 👀 Join us on Connections Corner as we sit down with Holly, our mystery social media admin, to chat all things connection, community, and cosy vibes. This week kicks off our two-part series: “Getting Cosy & Connecting with Your Community.”
In Part 1, we’re diving into IRL connections with major “-ber month” energy — think Gilmore Girls, autumn leaves, and finding your people at uni. 🍂✨ We talk about:

• Making new friends and settling in at uni 🤝
• Holly’s uni journey (and how changing her mind shaped it) 🎓
• Cosy autumn routines and “main character” moments 🍁
• Fun things to do locally during the colder months 🧣
• Why connecting offline still matters — especially now 💬

🎧 Filmed at Park Campus in the TV Production Studio, this episode is full of laughs, stories, and good vibes — the perfect listen for a chill autumn day.

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In this episode of Connections Corner, Ivana and Hesham are joined by Freya, our Students’ Union Activities and Opportunities Officer, for an honest chat about her UoG journey, and the incredible work she is doing in her role.
From previously leading the university Dance team to launching her campaign ‘Fed Up’, Freya opens up about tackling food insecurity among students, as well as taking part in a fun ‘Raid the Cupboard’ challenge, trying to piece together a nutritious and filling meal with what’s left in your food cupboard before your next food shop. And, of course, we get Freya to rate your budget-friendly and sometimes questionable students meals in Student Meal of the Week.

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In this very first episode of Connections Corner, it’s just your hosts Ivana and Hesham—no guests, no script, just real talk. Get to know the voices behind the mic as we share how we both found our way to uni, what sparked this podcast idea, and the kind of energy we’re bringing to every episode. Expect stories, banter, and… a little too much detail about how Wingstop may or may not have triggered a shopping habit for Ivana (👀). We’ll also hear from Hesham, who’s juggling postgrad life and finding connection in the chaos of a master’s degree. Plus, we dish on who we’re dying to get on the show—from students doing big things to staff and industry insiders we think you need to hear from. We’re also kicking off our brand new segment: Student Meal of the Week — where we rate, debate and occasionally regret our budget-friendly food choices. Come for the laughs, stay for the insights, and get ready to make your own connections along the way.

Connect with us @UniOfGlos & #TeamGlos