The Uni Guide Podcast

Episode 37: Is university right for you in 2025?

Are you wondering if university is the right path for you? In this episode, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making that big decision in 2025. From the key benefits of university life to common misconceptions, our expert guests and student panel dive into the real stories behind higher education.

We’ll explore:

• Why people go to university through the lens of four unique characters: the profession-seeker, the problem solver, the subject explorer, and the skills builder.
• Misconceptions about degrees and careers – and why your subject doesn’t define your future.
• How to explore super-curricular activities if you’re unsure about committing to university.
• Whether university is a smart financial investment and how to make the decision that’s right for you.
• Practical tips to help you choose the right course, pick the best university, and get the most out of open days and taster sessions.

And, of course, we’ll ask our student guests: knowing what they know now, what advice would they give their younger selves before starting university?

If you’re trying to figure out your next steps, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and real stories to help you decide if university is right for you. Tune in now and take your first step towards making an informed decision about your future!

Featuring:

Jonathan Tinnacher, Founder, Better Uni Choices

and from our student and graduate panel:

Anton Springett, Computer Science Graduate, University of Kent.

Reece Buckley, Micro and Molecular Biology at Manchester Metropolitan University

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

Uni Taster Days

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

Find out more about Better Uni Choices

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

Episode 36: Making your university personal statement stand out

In this episode of The Uni Guide Podcast, we’re tackling everything you need to know about writing a standout personal statement for your 2025 university application. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your final draft, our expert insights will help you navigate this crucial part of the admissions process.

We’ll cover:

• What is a personal statement? A quick breakdown of its purpose and why it matters.
• The Student Room’s free review service – is it worth using?
• Top tips for starting from scratch – practical advice for those still staring at a blank page.
• Refining your draft – advanced pointers for those who’ve already begun but want to ensure their statement stands out.
• Do universities actually read personal statements?
• Avoiding common mistakes – learn the pitfalls many students fall into and how to steer clear of them.
• Advice to our younger selves – reflecting on what we wish we’d known before starting university.

If you’re applying for university in 2025, this episode is packed with insights to make your personal statement shine. Don’t miss it!

Featuring:

Jasminne Gwalter. Community Manager, The Student Room Group

and from our student and graduate panel:

Ishan Dwivedi, Software Engineer and University of Cambridge Graduate

Reece Buckley, Micro and Molecular Biology at Manchester Metropolitan University

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

Uni Taster Days

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

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

Turning potential into performance – your motivation boost for the new academic year

In this episode, we're here to give you the motivation you need to kick off the new academic year with energy and focus. We'll help you see the opportunities ahead and unlock your full potential. We’ll explore:

• What does it mean to turn potential into performance, and why is it essential?
• How can university make the most of your ability?
• How do you identify your strengths and use them to your advantage?
• What does success look like, and how do you achieve it?
• What's the #1 motivation tip to keep you driven throughout the year?

Tune in for actionable insights and a dose of inspiration to continue your academic journey on the right foot.

Featuring:

Kamal Ellis-Hyman, Company Founder and Director, Aim A Little Higher

and from our student and graduate panel:

Leah Brooks, medical student at the University of Sheffield

Ishan Dwivedi, Software Engineer and University of Cambridge Graduate

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

Uni Taster Days

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

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

In this episode, we dive into all aspects of university open days to help you get the most out of your experience. We'll cover:

What is an Open Day?

• What exactly happens at a university open day?
• Do all universities offer them?
• When and where do they take place?
• How do they differ from other university events?

Why attend and how to prepare:

• Why should attending an open day be a priority for you?
• Should you go solo, or bring friends, family, or attend with your school?
• How many open days should you aim to visit?
• Are there online options if time or travel costs are a concern?
• What steps should you take in advance to get the most out of the experience?

Booking your spot:

• Is booking necessary, and if so, how do you do it?
• Are there any fees involved?

What to expect:

• Do you need to stay for the entire day or attend specific sessions?
• Is advance booking for sessions required?
• Are there any dress codes or guest limits?
• What are the best ways to get there?

Maximizing your open day:

• How can you make the most of your time on campus?
• What should you prioritise if you're short on time?
• What key questions should you ask university staff and students?
• Are there any common mistakes to avoid?
• And finally, what should you do after the open day to keep the momentum going?

Whether you're preparing for your first open day or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice to make your visit a success.

Featuring:

Simon Fairbanks, Head of Community Engagement at UniTasterDays. Simon has previously worked at four universities.

and from our student panel:

Rosie Glover, second year student at Durham University

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

Uni Taster Days

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

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

In this special episode we are getting you ready for your 2025 university application - because you an submit your university application from now - September 3 2024!

• What subjects are popular? Which ones are not?
• When do students start working on their personal statements?
• What are the most popular university searches on Unifrog?
• What did our expert guests wish they knew about university?
• What are the biggest concerns students have in relation to university?
• What is the most important factor for students when choosing universities?
• When do students start researching universities?

Featuring:

Megan Soley, University Partnerships Co-ordinator at Unifrog

and from our student panel:

Leah Brooks, Medicine student at the University of Sheffield

Foujia Abdus Begum, Year 13 student - and Foujia is starting university this September!

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

Uni Taster Days

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

Or, find out more about Unifrog.

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

In this special episode dedicated to university results day and clearing, we bring you invaluable insights and guidance with FIVE special guests!

We’ll walk listeners through three mock clearing phone calls, demonstrating exactly what you can expect during these crucial conversations with universities.

• What is Clearing?: Understand the purpose and process of clearing in the university admissions system.
• When does Clearing start?: Get the timeline for when clearing begins and how long it typically lasts.
• Top tips for students preparing for Clearing: Gain expert advice on how to best prepare for the clearing process.
• Essential questions to ask during clearing calls: Learn the most important questions to ask universities when you’re on a clearing call.

Featuring:

Emma Hall, Senior Admissions Manager at Edge Hill University

Oliver Rosetti, Outreach Manager at the University of Leicester

Rachel Stanley, Student Recruitment Officer (Schools & Colleges) at St Mary’s University

and from our student panel:

Leah Brooks, Medicine student at the University of Sheffield

Rosie Glover, Law student at Durham University

Join us for this comprehensive guide to navigating clearing, ensuring you are well-prepared to make the most of your university admissions opportunities!

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

Uni Taster Days

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

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

In this episode, part 2 of our student finance two-episode special, we discuss:

• What are the key student finance facts students need to know? Including a guide to tuition fees and maintenance loans
• How do repayments work? Including what is the repayment period?
• What has changed recently with student finance?
• A real example of a repayment based on earnings
• What is the lifelong learning entitlement?
• How else can students make money? Including university job opportunities.
• Free money at university and what are the strangest scholarships?
• What are the best student incentives – including bank accounts

Join us as we uncover the essentials of funding university, making sure you're well-prepared to handle the financial aspects of your education. Whether you're a current student or planning to start your academic journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice.

Featuring:

Tom Allingham, Communications Director at Save the Student

Jerry Ndi, first-year International Finance and Economics student at Queen Mary University in London.

You can find out more about the guests HERE

Also, check out Episode 30, where we get a student perspective of student loans, featuring Anton, a final year Computer Science student at the University of Kent, Foujia, a Year 13 Sixth Form student hoping to start university in September and Rosie, a first year Law student at Durham University

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

Uni Taster Days

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

Save The Student - The student money website for everything student finance

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

In this episode, we explore the complex world of student finance to help students navigate their way through funding university. We discuss:

• Student Loans: How do students really feel about taking on loans? Including the emotional and psychological impact of student debt.
• Spending Habits: Discover what current students are spending their money on and how it affects their financial stability.
• Year Abroad: Considering studying abroad? Learn about the financial implications and how a year overseas can impact student loans.
• Student Finance Facts: Repayment thresholds, how long students will be paying loans back for, and more (we explore this further in Episode 32).
• Two-Year Degrees: We examine the financial considerations of pursuing a two-year degree and how it compares to traditional programs.
• Finance Application: Get a step-by-step guide to the student finance application process, and don't miss out on crucial funding.
• Student Life and Budgeting: Practical tips on budgeting and managing finances to make student life more affordable and enjoyable.
• Scholarships and Bursaries: The impact of free money to support university studies.

Join us as we uncover the essentials of funding university, making sure you're well-prepared to handle the financial aspects of your education. Whether you're a current student or planning to start your academic journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice.

Also, check out Episode 31, where we delve into student finance facts, including repayment periods, repayment thresholds, and more.

Featuring:

Anton Springett, a final year Computer Science student at the University of Kent

Foujia Abdus Begum, a Year 13 Sixth Form student hoping to start university in September

Rosie Glover, a first year Law student at Durham University

You can find out more about the guests HERE

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

Uni Taster Days

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University Jargon Buster

University Subject Guide Videos

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

Explore the exciting world of university accommodation! Join us as we discuss where students live at university and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. We'll have a brilliant discussion with Foujia, who is starting university very soon, Anton, in his final year, and Ishan, who has recently graduated.

We'll be covering accommodation concerns, what to expect in university accommodation, top tips for choosing accommodation, and much more.

Featuring:

Foujia Abdus Begum, Year 13 Sixth Form student hoping to start university in September

Anton Springett, a final year Computer Science student at the University of Kent

Ishan Dwivedi, University of Cambridge 2023 graduate

You can find out more about the guests HERE

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

Uni Taster Days

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University Jargon Buster

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

We're discussing studying Law at university with:

• Rosie Glover - a member of the Uni Guide Student Panel, current Law student at Durham University, and the first in her family to go to university; and
• Paige Tugby, who has been through the university journey, is now a Trainee Solicitor and Police Station Representative. Paige also appeared on TV, sharing her experience on How to Crack the Class Ceiling.

We discuss:

• Why students may wish to consider Law
• The support our guests received before starting university
• If university has lived up to expectations
• What advice Paige and Rosie would give to their younger selves when considering university and studying Law.

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

The Students' Guide to University Brochure

The Parents’ Guide to University Brochure

The Teachers' Guide to University Brochure

University Jargon Buster

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