Life in Plym

Video conferencing software is something that so many of us have had to get comfortable with in the last few months. 

In this episode we talk to VP Education, Emi Dowse, all about her tips for beating digital fatigue. We also talk to Emi about her campaigns as VP and the sorts of changes she thinks students need to expect from studying in September 2020. It’s a weird time to be a student that’s for sure but we’re here to help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of studying in a digital world.

Key links:

Student services: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/student-services

More about Emi: https://www.upsu.com/news/article/upsu/Meet-Emi-your-VP-Education-2020-2021/

We talk to two students, Emily and Rhiannon, all about their experiences of student life as neurodiverse adults. The term neurodiverse refers to a variation in the human brain in relation to social, learning, attention and mood aspects as well as other mental factors, which can relate to both ADHD and autism. 

This open and honest interview will open your eyes to the support that is available to you as well as how you can connect with others in a similar situation. Both talk candidly about what their university experience was like during the COVID-19 lockdown as well as the tips and tricks they have learnt over the years. This episode is not to be missed so sit back, grab a cuppa and press play.

Again this episode is a little longer than usual so every time you hear our little jingle feel free to take a break and come back later, we’ll be here as soon as you’re ready.

Key links:

Student services: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/student-services

Autistic Spectrum Condition information: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia/autistic-spectrum-condition-information

ADHD information:

Millie and Tilda have a much needed talk about anxiety, mental health and much more. Come along on our short journey about mental health and discover just a few of the self-help resources provided by the university. 

Metal health is something that deserves to be discussed, so let’s get talking.

This is a longer episode, so every time you hear our jingle music, feel free to pause and come back at a later time!

Key links:

Student hub: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services

Disability Services: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia

Self help resources, SHINE: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/student-services/shine

In this episode we talk about all personal tutors, who they are, what they do and why they are important. A personal tutor at university can be quite different to one you may have had before. They really are there to help you achieve and can sometimes be the difference between a student dropping out and deciding to carry on studying. 

Listen to hear Millie and Tilda’s experiences and an interview from our special guest Tim O’Hare, a lecturer and personal tutor from the university.

Key links:

Personal tutoring at the University of Plymouth: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/teaching-and-learning/guidance-and-resources/personal-tutoring

Virtual personal tutor blog: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/new-students/blended-learning/virtual-personal-tutor-blog

The second episode on being social in a socially distanced world is all about the new ways to socialise and still enjoy your time at uni. Whether you are thinking about making friends whilst being socially distanced or you want to connect with housemates before you arrive we have all the hints and tricks you will need to survive freshers! Just press play. 

Key links:

Using social media to settle into student life: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/accommodation/residence-life/using-social-media-to-settle-into-student-life

Students' Union website: https://www.upsu.com/

To all you social butterflies and wallflowers out there, here is your guide to socialising on and around campus. In this episode we cover sports and societies, events and making friends at uni in the weird new covid world.  With our special guest, Verity Lemm, also known as VP activities in the Student’s Union we talk through what you can expect from the SU and campus life.

Key link:

UPSU events page: https://www.upsu.com/ents/eventlist/

UPSU sports and societies: https://www.upsu.com/clubs-and-societies/browse/

Your guide to what to bring to university in 2020, we talk about everything from laptops to home comforts to PPE. As well as how to access financial support from the uni if you need it. We know that this year will be very different for students, so if you want to prepare for  blended learning experience, sit back, relax and listen.

p.s. Don’t forget you can buy things once you get here!

Key links:

What equipment should I bring? https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/accommodation/applicants/what-should-i-bring

Bursaries and funding: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees/scholarships-bursaries-and-funding/bursaries

Student Services: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/student-services

For this episode we talk about the current  safety guidelines in place in Plymouth, as well as some of our favourite places to visit including shopping centres, bars, beaches and more.  There is still plenty to do in the city, despite social distancing, so press play and find our what makes Plymouth such a great place to live in. 

Make sure to check out the Plymouth city council webpage for up to date guidance.

Key links:

Plymouth City Council Coronavirus Page: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/coronaviruscovid19information

Plymouth University, visit us page: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/visit

This is the third part of a three part series for our international students, make sure to check out the first two episodes!

For our international students to get a full picture of what student life will be like we have spoken to some internationals, a recent graduate and a student going into their second year. Listen to this episode to hear about their personal experiences of student life in Plymouth. They also give their top tips on how to get to know the city and get to know other students. So if you are new to the UK, Plymouth or just want to find out more, press play.

Key links:

University of Plymouth Student’s Union: www.upsu.com

This episode is the second in a three part series, make sure you listened to number one!

For this second part we get into the social side of student life. We talk to the President of the Student’s Union (SU), Chukwudi Ezenyi, about his experience as an international student and about what the SU has to offer including sports, societies, volunteering and much more!

Then we dive into what you can get up to when you arrive in Plymouth before any freshers events may have started, and where you might be able to get some great local and international food.

We hope you enjoy!

Key links:

University of Plymouth Student’s Union: www.upsu.com

UPSU events page: https://www.upsu.com/ents/

Visit Plymouth: www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on