Successful Student Transitions - A Time to Thrive

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 mindset, stretch and elastic bands all have in common.
• How to tap into strengths you already have but forgot about
• How curiosity can be your secret weapon
• How to start writing your new story from day one

Register for Lean into Student Life Show Notes and Full Programme HERE

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 feeling stuck in the 'messy middle' of major life change, we'll give you some practical suggestions to help you navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.

Listen as we discuss:

• Where this feeling of mixed emotions may be coming from and why it's not unusual..
• We introduce the messy middle in periods of transition and why this is relevant to now.
• We give some suggestions for what to do if you're having doubts
• We explain why doubts are not necessarily red flags and more represent important data.
• Why personal choices are so important in making your next step decisions.
• Why talking it out helps.

Additional resources:

Podcast HERE

• Episode 1 Beat the Transition Blues
• Episode 80 Top Tips for Freshers as They Start University with Toby

Check out our course: THRIVE in the Transition to University HERE

"Navigate your transition with confidence and excel throughout your university journey"

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.

Starting university isn't just about packing your boxes or picking up new textbooks. It's about stepping into a whole new version of yourself, and like any meaningful journey, it comes with both opportunities and challenges.

It can feel daunting and the good news is you don't have to navigate this transition alone.

Introducing "Thrive in Your Transition to University" our online course designed to be our source of support for this amazing adventure.

In this episode, Elizabeth and Louise warmly share:

• The real story behind student transitions—understanding why this feels big (because it is!) and discovering the support that makes all the difference
• Why this course isn't just helpful, it's essential—think of it as your secret weapon for not just surviving, but truly thriving in your first year
• A behind-the-scenes look at how we've designed every element to meet you exactly where you are and guide you confidently forward
• How your online companion works—flexible, accessible support that adapts to your unique journey and timeline
• You're about to start an exciting journey. Learn how we can support you to build your personal transition blueprint for a great university experience.

Ready to transform your transition? Listen in, then visit www.successfulstudenttransitions.com/transitioncourse to discover how to thrive from day one.

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 discuss:

• The value of different friendships and tips for finding your people in those early weeks
• Getting the academics working well with subjects that motivate you and study routines that work
• Living at home while studying; the pros, cons and what to consider
• Some tough stuff: adjusting to new academic demands, burnout, thoughts about dropping out, setting realistic expectations about university, resists, joining clubs or not.
• Taking care of yourself when life is full on and when it suddenly isn’t.

Go to our blog to read our associated blog post summarising the key points from this conversation HERE

If this podcast has sparked an interest in preparing well for your starting university, Learn more about our online course Thrive in Your Transition to University HERE

Listen to the Nurturing Relationships episode mentioned in this episode HERE

To hear Lindsay, a Sixth Form Head share ideas for supporting university transitions go HERE

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 adulthood.

The conversation provides crucial insights for both students feeling lost and parents grappling with their fears about their children's future, urging them to foster space for individuals to find their own path.

Listen as we discuss:

• The career and choices that informed Jill’s current work and insights on navigating change
• Why the old script is broken and what this will mean for how we move forward in the future
• The declining tole of tradition and the need to embrace an unfamiliar future
• The need for individuals to cultivate internal security and the role of personal agency and choice as one’s ‘greatest power and tool’.
• The importance of listening to intuition and building a ‘toolkit’ of capabilities and experiences rather than seeking a fixed ‘lifetime identity’.
• The Ten Permissions created by Jill that offer practical framework for individuals to "flip the script" from "following the way to finding your own way,"

Learn more about Jillianl and her work HERE, Pre-order her book The Ten Permissions HERE

Subscribe to Jillian's Substack account HERE

Learn about our course: Thrive in Your Transition to University HERE

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 leave the exam world behind and why this might be the case
• How finishing exams marks another ending in the midst of other changes
• Our mind’s negativity bias and how to get some short term distraction or longer term relief from nagging thoughts
• The power of asking for help as a positive move.

Learn more about our upcoming course: Thrive in Your Transition to University HERE

Want to think more about Minding Your Mind listen to Episode 3 HERE

Want to discover more about Self-Compassion listen to Episode 4 HERE

Want to learn more about transitions then Episode 1 Beat the Transition Blues HERE and Riding the Waves of Change Episode 2 HERE

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 evolving needs of university students and bridging this gap
• Using resources to create opportunities for group discussion and shared experiences
• Building a strong community with transition taking a central role.
• And, generously, she shares her own change mindset

Register for our free webinar: A Blueprint for Successful University Transitions, mentioned in the podcast HERE

Learn more about our upcoming course: Thrive in Your Transition to University HERE

Listen to our Student Voices Episodes starting HERE and HERE

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. Often, parents have mixed emotions about the experience as they juggle this ending alongside career pressures, elderly parents and other children all at the same time.

In this episode Louise speaks to Kim Stokes from Kindness for Success about how parents can support themselves through this time of transition with kindness.

In this episode we discuss:

• The importance of recognising that this is a transition for both parents and their young adults.
• Why times of transition like this can feel challenging.
• What parents can do to show themselves kindness.
• Why it is important that this is modelled for our children.
• Kim shares her K.I.N.D framework helping parents to balance encouragement, support and self-care, ensuring kindness remains at the heart of this transition journey.

You can download a copy of Kim’s K.I.N.D framework HERE for free and learn more about Kim HERE

Other episodes which may be of interest to parents:

• Empty Nest Reflections: Fresh perspectives with Professor Paul Grantham Episode 89 HERE
• A Parents Story: Pippa. Navigating the Waters of University Transitions, Episode 88 HERE
• Caring for Yourself When You’re the One Who Remains: A Message for Stayers In Times of Change & Transition Episode 79 HERE

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' on you.
• Why and how kindness is contagious and why it's worth spreading it around.
• Her Self Kindness Compass, you can download the Tool Kim guides us through in this episode HERE.
• Learn more about Kim HERE

Enjoy the episode and if you want to listen to more on the topic of self-care and self-compassion these episodes will be helpful:

Nurturing Self-Compassion Episode 5 HERE

Understanding Our Inner World Episode 32 HERE

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 care.

Listen to Diana as she shares her experiences, encourages self-reflection through questions and leads us in a meditation practice that connects us with others.

• Preparing the practical and psychological ground to prime students for success
• The role of self-care and self-compassion.
• How Diana chartered her own path at college with her mess becoming her message.
• Exploring and living your values as a guide to being your best
• Wise Effort through being curious about where you put your energy to do the things you want to do.

Dr Diana Hill is based in Santa Barbara California. She is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and sought-out speaker and leadership coach on Wise Effort and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Website https://drdianahill.com/services

Her podcast – Wise Effort is a great listen.

Number of publications: ACT Daily Journal and The Self-Compassion Daily Journal – both could be useful self-study guides to the move to university.

Diana's new Book – Wise Effort will be available in September 2025