The Student Experience Podcast

In this episode we chat with Carl Christie, Student Money Adviser in Student Services about some of his top money saving tips. Carl shares his expert insights on navigating the world of finance. This conversation contains practical advice that will help you manage your money more effectively while still enjoying your student experience to the fullest. Join us as we delve into  tips on; shopping, budgeting, energy and banking to make every pound count. This episode a must-listen for every student striving to make the most of their financial resources.  

Links to additional resources:

• Your Money Portal Pages - https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/financial-support.aspx
• Olio Food Waste App - https://olioapp.com/en/ 
• Shopmium App - https://www.shopmium.com/uk/presentation 
• Too Good to Go App - https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-gb 

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

In this episode we chat with Carl Christie, Student Money Adviser in Student Services about some of his top money saving tips. Carl shares his expert insights on navigating the world of finance. This conversation contains practical advice that will help you manage your money more effectively while still enjoying your student experience to the fullest. Join us as we delve into  tips on; healthcare, subscriptions, cooking and student discounts to make every pound count. This episode a must-listen for every student striving to make the most of their financial resources. Join us next month for Part 2! 

Links to additional resources: 

• Your Money Portal Pages - https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/financial-support.aspx

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

Trigger Warning: Suicide Discussion

Please be advised that this episode contains a sensitive conversation about suicide, mental health, and related topics. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, and you need to talk about how you are feeling, please call Samaritans on 116 123, or email on [email protected]. 

In this episode we chat with Jonny Girvan (Mental Health Team Leader) about World Suicide Prevention Day. Jonny shares profound insights and empathetic advice about a topic that impacts countless lives. We explore the complexities of talking about suicide, breaking down stigma, and creating a safe space for dialogue on campus. Jonny also shares valuable resources, and strategies to support those in need. We discuss the importance of looking after yourself when supporting someone who is struggling and the many resources available. Tune in as we unite in solidarity to spread awareness and compassion of this important day.

Look After Your Mate Training Session:
Friday 8th September 2023 , 1pm – 3pm via Teams. Book your place for the session via Career Hub -  https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/mh-wellbeing-sessions.aspx

Links to Resources

• Training - https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training
• World Suicide Prevention Day - https://www.iasp.info/wspd/about/
• Local crisis line https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/ chester = 0800 145 6485
• Samaritans 116 123
• Shout 85258
• Papyrus 0800 068 4141 included with Papyrus is a de-brief line available 9am to midnight daily.
• Crisis café’s like Café 71 in Chester open to 10pm every night.
• Download the Hub of Hope app and make yourself familiar with some local supports in your area https://hubofhope.co.uk/

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

In this episode we chat with Maria Skinner (Residential Life Manager) about moving away from home and how to make the most of your time living in University accommodation. Maria shares stories, insights, and valuable advice on adapting to a new living environment and how to make the transition into living independently as easy as possible. We discuss the practical aspects of settling into university accommodation, from setting up your room,  to navigating communal areas and shared responsibilities. We delve into how you can make lasting connections with housemates, and the various support systems that can make a huge difference to your student experience. 


Links to Resources

• https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www1.chester.ac.uk/student-support
• https://www1.chester.ac.uk/departments/accommodation-office

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:
Instagram: @uocshoutout
Facebook: @uocshoutout
Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

In this episode we chat with Thisanda Ayuka (Student and Race Advocate) about adapting to life in the UK as an International Student. Thisanda tells us more about what he found challenging about relocating to Chester and shares his favourite things about living and studying here. Thisanda shares his top hints and tips about how to settle in and make the transition to study in the UK as easy as possible. We loved recording this episode and hope it is helpful to all of our students, especially those joining and studying with us from overseas. 

Links to Resources

• https://shoutout.chester.ac.uk/your-student-voice/meet-the-student-race-advocates/
• https://www1.chester.ac.uk/news/introducing-our-student-race-advocates
• https://www.instagram.com/uocstudentraceadvocates/?hl=en

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:
Instagram: @uocshoutout
Facebook: @uocshoutout
Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

In this episode we chat with Georgina Peel (Wellbeing Team Leader) about the importance of sleep. Georgina tells us more about 'sleep hygiene', what it means and why it's important. Georgina shares her top hints and tips about how to optimise your sleep routine and what signs to look out for that might indicate poor sleep hygiene. We loved recording this episode and found out so much useful information, we hope you love it too!

Links to Resources

• https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Sleep
• https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/
• https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene
• https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/mh-general-self-help.aspx

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:
Instagram: @uocshoutout
Facebook: @uocshoutout
Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

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 parent and studying can be beneficial too!

Steph tells us more about the Student Parent Network and support available through Student Services for student parents. To join the network and find out more, follow this link on portal: https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/p-parent-support.aspx


Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

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 university in the UK to sign a pledge marking its commitment to challenging stigma surrounding recovery from addictions, to supporting students and staff in recovery and celebrating their contribution to higher education. Wendy and Katie talk more about exactly what the pledge is; what recovery means and how this work supports our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive university. 

• Addiction Support Portal Pages 
• More about the Pledge 

To keep up to date and find out when the latest episode of Student Support Podcast is released, follow, University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

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 Led Projects there is bound to be something of interest to you. Jo also explains how to get involved in volunteering and gives us some information about the exciting activities happening during Student Volunteering Week (13th - 17th February 2023)! 

Volunteer Hub - https://volunteering.chester.ac.uk/ to find out more and get involved!

Student Led Projects - https://volunteering.chester.ac.uk/lookingtovolunteer/studentledprojects/

Student Volunteer Week Information -
https://volunteering.chester.ac.uk/news/studentvolunteeringweek/

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

Instagram: @uocshoutout
Facebook: @uocshoutout
Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout

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 available and what other things you can do to help yourself and others experiencing menopause and perimenopause. 

Links to additional resources (click to access):

• Student Menopause Support Network - Information on how to join
• Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/ 
•  Menopause Matters https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/ 
•  The Menopause Charity https://www.themenopausecharity.org/ 
•  The British Dietetics Association https://www.bda.uk.com/uploads/assets/da7a32fc-4ab3-42e1-b2573359e81471d0/Menopause-food-fact-sheet.pdf 
•  

Useful Twitter Accounts

• @DrNighatArif - focuses on women from ethnic minority groups 
•  @BLKMenopause - Black Women and Menopause
•  @drlouisenewson  - Dr Louise Newson

For more info on this and future episodes, subscribe to The Student Support Podcast on Spotify, or  follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

Instagram: @uocshoutout
Facebook: @uocshoutout
Twitter: @uocshoutout

To submit a question to be answered in an upcoming episode, click this link and ask your question. We'll chose a selection to answer in an upcoming episode.

Follow University of Chester Student Shout Out on:

• Instagram: @uocshoutout
• Facebook: @uocshoutout
• X: @uocshoutout