The Uni Guide Podcast

Taking a gap year can mean travelling, working, volunteering, gaining experience, earning money or simply giving yourself more time to decide what comes next. But how do you know whether taking a year out before university is the right decision for you?

In this episode of The Uni Guide Podcast, we explore the realities of taking a gap year, including the reasons students choose one, the worries that can come with delaying university, and how a gap year can affect university decisions and applications.

Host Jon Cheek, Founder of UniTasterDays.com, is joined by new student co-hosts Emma and Bakirathe, who have both just finished Year 13 but are taking different next steps. Bakirathe is starting a Medicine course at the University of Cambridge, while Emma has chosen to take a gap year before planning to start university in 2027.

Emma shares why she decided to take a gap year, what she hopes to do with it and the concerns she had when making the decision. Together, the panel explores whether there is still a perception that a gap year has to mean travelling around the world, and why there are many different ways to make a year out worthwhile.

• should you take a gap year before university?
• what are the benefits of taking a gap year?
• what can you do during a gap year?
• does taking a gap year affect your university application?
• what should you think about before deciding to take a year out?
• what worries might you have about delaying university?
• does a gap year have to involve travelling?
• can working, volunteering or gaining experience make a gap year worthwhile?
• how can a gap year help with university and future decisions?

Whether you're in Year 12 or Year 13 and considering taking a gap year, already planning a year out, or simply wondering whether going straight to university is right for you, this episode offers an honest student perspective on the options available.

This episode is designed for students considering university and their next steps after school or college, as well as parents, carers, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people with gap year and university decisions.

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Choosing what to study at university can feel like one of the biggest decisions you make as a student. With thousands of university courses and subjects available across the UK, how do you work out which degree is right for you, what you're genuinely interested in, and what you might enjoy studying for the next three or more years?

In this episode of The Uni Guide Podcast, we explore how to choose a university subject, why curiosity matters when researching degree courses, and how students can look beyond grades, expectations and familiar school subjects to find something they are genuinely “bothered” about.

Host Jon Cheek, Founder of UniTasterDays.com, is joined by Hywel Roberts, director, teacher, writer and presenter, who introduces the idea of “botheredness” and explains how it can help students think differently about their university choices and future.

Together, they discuss how students can identify the subjects and ideas that genuinely interest them, the importance of curiosity when choosing what to study at university, and what to consider when moving from the more structured environment of school or college to the greater independence of university study.

The episode covers questions students often ask when choosing a university subject and degree, including:

• what “botheredness” means and why it matters
• how to identify the subjects you're genuinely interested in
• how curiosity can help you choose what to study at university
• whether you need to know exactly what you want to study before researching universities
• what to think about when comparing university subjects and degree courses
• how studying at university differs from studying at school or college
• how to prepare for the greater independence of university study
• how your interests at university might connect with your future
• advice for students who are unsure what they want to do after university
• what our guests would tell their younger selves about choosing a subject and finding their future

Whether you're wondering what degree you should study, comparing university courses or simply don't know where to start with choosing a university subject, this episode will help you think differently about your interests, your curiosity and what you want from your university experience.

This episode is designed for students considering university and researching degree courses and subjects, as well as parents, carers, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people with university choices.

You can find out more about the brilliant work of Hywel Roberts at https://www.botheredness.co.uk/

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Results Day 2026 is one of the biggest moments in the university application journey. Whether you're expecting the grades you need, worried you might miss your offer, or simply want to understand how Clearing 2026 works, this episode explains everything you need to know before Results Day arrives.

Every year, thousands of students secure a university place through UCAS Clearing. Yet many still have questions about what happens on Results Day, how Clearing really works, what universities are looking for, and what to do if their plans change. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel informed, confident and prepared.

Host Jon Cheek is joined by Laura Knight, Recruitment Manager at the University of Staffordshire, Stephanie Hartley, UK Student Recruitment Manager, and Year 13 student Neve Wright, who shares an honest perspective on how students are feeling ahead of Results Day and the questions many are asking themselves right now.

Together, they answer the questions students ask most about Results Day and UCAS Clearing, offering practical guidance, reassurance and insider advice to help listeners make informed decisions.

The episode covers questions students often ask about Results Day and Clearing, including:

• what to do first if you don't get the grades you expected
• who can use Clearing and why it's not just for students who miss their offers
• what to have ready before contacting a university through Clearing
• what actually happens during a Clearing phone call
• tips for students who feel nervous about calling universities
• how to research universities quickly on Results Day
• the biggest mistakes students make during Clearing and how to avoid them
• what happens after accepting a Clearing place, including Student Finance and accommodation
• one thing every student should do before Results Day
• one thing students definitely shouldn't panic about
• the advice our guests would give their younger selves ahead of Results Day and Clearing

Whether you're preparing for A level Results Day, BTEC Results Day or another Level 3 qualification, this episode will help you understand UCAS Clearing, university offers, Clearing phone calls, accommodation, Student Finance and the decisions you'll need to make on Results Day 2026.

This episode is designed for students applying to university in 2026, as well as parents, carers, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people through Results Day and Clearing.

Featuring:

• Laura Knight, Recruitment Manager, University of Staffordshire
• Stephanie Hartley, UK Student Recruitment Manager, University of Southampton
• Neve Wright, Year 13 student
• Hosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about a degree apprenticeship but not sure how they work? In this episode, we explore what degree apprenticeships are really like, how students balance work and university study, what employers are looking for, and how to apply successfully.

Degree apprenticeships have become one of the most searched-for alternatives to university, allowing students to earn a salary, gain professional experience and achieve a university qualification at the same time. Yet many students still have questions about the day-to-day reality, application process and whether the experience is right for them.

Jon Cheek and special guest host Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, Founder of The HerEstate Network, are joined by Amaya Sophia Ahmed, a Level 6 Degree Apprentice with Colliers International and a BSc Real Estate Management student at the University of The Built Environment.

Drawing on her own experience, Amaya shares an honest insight into degree apprentice life, including how she structures her week between work and study, what surprised her most about the experience, and the advice she would give students considering this route.

The conversation explores the realities of degree apprenticeships beyond the headlines, helping students understand what to expect and how to prepare for the opportunities and challenges that come with combining employment and higher education.

The episode covers questions students often ask about degree apprenticeships, including:

• what a typical week looks like for a degree apprentice
• how degree apprenticeship university study works in practice
• degree apprenticeship application tips
• what employers look for in degree apprenticeship applicants
• the differences between degree apprenticeships and traditional university courses
• support available from schools and colleges
• how AI is beginning to influence applications and recruitment
• balancing work, study and personal life
• the benefits and challenges of degree apprenticeships
• advice for students considering a degree apprenticeship
• what Amaya would tell her younger self before applying

This episode is designed for students researching degree apprenticeships, university alternatives and career pathways after sixth form or college. It also offers valuable insight for parents, teachers and careers advisers supporting students with post-18 options.

Featuring:

• Amaya Sophia Ahmed, Level 6 Degree Apprentice at Colliers International and BSc Real Estate Management student at the University of The Built Environment
• Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, Founder of The HerEstate Network
• Hosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you need to have your future career planned out by the age of 18? This episode explores the pressure many students feel to make big decisions about university, careers and their future, and why it is completely normal for plans, interests and ambitions to change over time.

For students approaching university applications, career choices and life after sixth form or college, it can often feel like everyone else has their future mapped out. Social media, school expectations and conversations about careers can sometimes create the impression that successful people always knew exactly what they wanted to do. In reality, many career journeys are far less straightforward.

Current students Rosie and Reece join Jon for a chat with Baasit Siddiqui, creator of the 7Cs to Thrive Framework, author of Mr Siddiqui’s Curious Careers, TV personality and Director of Siddiqui Education.

Together they discuss why curiosity, confidence and staying open to opportunities can often matter more than having a fixed career plan at a young age.

The conversation explores Baasit’s own journey through university, teaching, television and education work, including how unexpected experiences and challenges helped shape his career path. The episode also reflects on the pressures young people face when making decisions about university and careers, and why students should not feel defined by a single choice made at 18.

The episode covers questions students often ask when thinking about careers and university, including:

• whether successful people always know what career they want from a young age
• how career plans can change over time
• why uncertainty about the future is completely normal
• what university can offer students beyond academic study
• how curiosity can help students discover new opportunities
• what happens when things do not go to plan
• how students can feel more confident about making future decisions
• why staying open to different experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities

This episode is designed for students considering university, feeling uncertain about their future career, or worried about making the “right” decision at 18. It also offers valuable insight for parents, teachers and careers advisers supporting young people as they navigate career and university choices.

Featuring:

• Baasit Siddiqui, Creator of the 7Cs to Thrive Framework, Author of Mr Siddiqui’s Curious Careers, TV Personality and Director of Siddiqui Education
• Reece Buckley, Micro and Molecular Biology student at Manchester Metropolitan University
• Rosie Glover, Law student at Durham University
• Hosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about a degree apprenticeship but unsure what the pathway looks like? This episode explores how degree apprenticeships work, what the application process involves, and how students can stand out when applying for competitive apprenticeship opportunities.

For many students, a traditional university degree is no longer the only route after sixth form or college. Degree apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn a salary, gain professional work experience and achieve a university degree at the same time. However, researching apprenticeship opportunities, understanding the application process and deciding between university and apprenticeships can feel confusing for many students.

UniTasterDays Founder Jon Cheek is joined by Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, a degree apprentice who chose this pathway instead of attending university full time. Together they discuss what influenced her decision to pursue a degree apprenticeship, how she searched for opportunities, and the strategies that helped her stand out during the apprenticeship application process.

The conversation also explores the experience of entering industries where women are less represented, the importance of representation in certain career sectors, and how students can build confidence when pursuing careers where they may not see people like themselves.

The episode covers questions students often ask when considering degree apprenticeships, including:

• what degree apprenticeships are and how they compare to university
• when students might start considering apprenticeships instead of university
• how to handle reactions from others when choosing an apprenticeship pathway
• how to search for degree apprenticeship opportunities
• what helps applicants stand out when applying for apprenticeships
• what it is like entering industries where women are underrepresented
• why representation matters in certain careers and industries
• advice for students who do not see people like themselves in certain professions

This episode is designed for students researching degree apprenticeships, exploring alternatives to university, or considering earn-while-you-learn pathways. It also provides useful guidance for parents, teachers and careers advisers supporting students as they explore university and apprenticeship options.

Featuring:

Elizabeth Joseph-Adigun, Founder of The HerEstate Network

Hosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com.

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about going to university but unsure how it all works? This episode explains the key things students need to understand about university courses, tuition fees, student finance and the university application process.

For many students, researching university can feel confusing at first. There are thousands of university courses to choose from, different application routes, and lots of questions about costs and student finance. In this episode, the panel breaks down how university works and the most important things students should know before applying.

UniTasterDays Founder Jon Cheek is joined by Rosie Glover, a final year student at Durham University, and Simon Fairbanks, Associate Director of Community Engagement at UniTasterDays. Together they discuss the key advice featured in the Student Guide 2026, along with the common misunderstandings students have about university before they apply.

The conversation explores how students can choose the right university course, what they should look for beyond the course title, and what students really need to understand about tuition fees, student loans and the realities of university life.

The episode covers questions students often ask when researching university, including:

• what students can expect from the Student Guide 2026
• common misunderstandings students have about university before applying
• how to choose a university course and what to look for beyond the course title
• what students need to understand about tuition fees and student finance
• how the university application process works
• what students should know about university before starting their course

This episode is designed for students who are researching university courses, choosing subjects, or preparing for the university application process. It also provides useful guidance for parents and teachers who want a clearer understanding of how university works today.

Featuring:

Rosie Glover, Final year student, Durham University

Simon Fairbanks, Associate Director, Community Engagement, UniTasterDays

Hosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com.

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 50: Why study engineering at university and what it’s really like

Thinking about studying engineering at university but not sure what it actually involves? This episode breaks down what an engineering degree is really like, what you would study day to day, and the careers it can lead to after university.

Engineering is one of the broadest and most misunderstood university subjects. In this conversation, we look beyond the stereotypes to explain what engineering actually covers, who it’s for, and why it could be a great option for students who enjoy problem solving, creativity and real-world impact.

UniTasterDays Founder Jon Cheek is joined by Dr Elaine Brown, James Dornor and Patricia Ashman to explore the different types of engineering degrees, the routes into engineering, and the wide range of careers available both within engineering and beyond. They also talk honestly about skills, subjects, and common worries students have before applying.

The episode covers questions students often ask when considering engineering at university, including:

• what studying engineering at university actually involves
• the different engineering careers a degree can lead to
• who engineering is for and why representation matters
• which subjects and skills are most useful for an engineering degree
• how important maths and physics really are
• what a typical week studying engineering looks like
• the different routes into engineering, including degrees and degree apprenticeships
• how transferable engineering skills are if career plans change

This episode is designed for students who are choosing A levels, thinking about university courses, or deciding whether engineering is the right path for them. It also offers useful insight for parents and teachers who want a clear, realistic picture of what studying engineering at university is really like.

Featuring:

Elaine Brown, University of Bradford

James Dornor, Chief Executive Officer at Driven By Us

Patricia Ashman, Strategic Higher Education Leader, engineer and TEDx speaker

Hosted by Jon Cheek, Founder, UniTasterDays.com.

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

Driven By Us - A Community interest company led by special guest on the podcast James Dornor

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 49 – Is university for everyone? Access, affordability and opportunities

In this episode, we tackle a big and often debated question: is university really for everyone? But before we tell you all about it, check out a fantastic resource we didn't have time to mention - the Sutton Trust Contextual Offer tool (2025 Contextual Offers Tool for UK Universities)

Back to the episode now. We're explore what widening participation actually means in practice, why it matters, and how universities and organisations work to make higher education more accessible for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Andrew Hunter, Senior Programmes Manager at The Sutton Trust, joins Claire Mula, a Law with Business student and aspiring solicitor, alongside host Dr Leah Brooks, Chief Operating Officer at Future Frontline, to unpack the realities behind access, affordability and opportunity.

We’ll cover:

• What widening participation means and how students are identified as eligible for support
• Why widening participation is so important for universities and organisations like the Sutton Trust
• The types of support and opportunities available to help students from widening participation backgrounds succeed
• University events and programmes designed specifically for widening participation students

The conversation then shifts to lived student experience, with honest reflections on:

• What feels most challenging when arriving at university as a first-generation student
• Whether university is becoming too expensive for students from low-income families
• One message for students questioning whether university is for them
• Whether university is truly for everyone
• How accessible top universities really are, regardless of background

This episode offers a balanced, practical discussion for students, parents and educators navigating questions around fairness, access and the future of higher education.

Featuring:

Andrew Hunter, Senior Programmes Manager at The Sutton Trust

Claire Mula, Law with Business student and an aspiring solicitor

Dr Leah Brooks, Chief Operating Officer at Future Frontline and Uni Guide Podcast host

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 48 – Does your uni course choice shape your future career?

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest decisions students make – choosing a university course – and explore how much that choice really impacts future career paths.

Our guest Chris Rea, Head of Strategic Relationships at Prospects, joins Reece Buckley, a final year Micro and Molecular Biology student at Manchester Metropolitan University, to discuss what “career-ready” choices look like, how employers view degree subjects, and whether the course you pick now will open doors, close them, or leave room to explore.

We’ll cover:

• How students can make informed, career-focused course decisions
• The extent to which degree choice affects employment outcomes
• Examples of careers where a specific degree is essential
• Which subjects offer the most flexibility for students unsure of their future plans

Towards the end of the episode, Chris and Reece reflect on the conversation — including Chris’s final insight: what advice he would give his younger self when choosing a degree subject.

Whether you have a clear career goal or no idea what comes next, this episode will help you think differently about course choices and the pathways they can lead to.

Featuring:

Chris Rea, Head of Strategic Relationships at Prospects

Reece Buckley, Final year Micro and Molecular Biology student at Manchester Metropolitan University

Students, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:

UniTasterDays.com

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University event incentive platform

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

The Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.