
Uni Connect
By Uni Connect

Uni ConnectApr 18, 2023

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 8 - Clearing
Clearing can be a stressful process for students, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth journey towards securing a place at your desired university or college. In this podcast episode, experts provide valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the clearing process successfully.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 7: Disability Support - A student ambassador perspective (part 2)
In part 2 of our disability themed podcast, we welcome student ambassadors Al, who is autistic, and shares his experiences of school, support services and the transition to higher education. We also welcome Amira, who is dyslexic and discusses how she found relief and support at university and how this made a significant difference to her academic journey.
Both Al and Amira emphasise the importance of seeking help and support throughout the educational journey. They stress the positive impact that receiving a diagnosis can have in understanding oneself better and accessing the necessary support. They also highlight the difference in support between schools and higher education institutions, with colleges and universities providing more personalised accommodations and encouraging individuality and self-advocacy.
By sharing their experiences, Al and Amira aim to inspire and show that higher education is a positive journey with available support, acknowledging it is important to seek help if needed and to take care of one's well-being throughout the process.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 7: Disability Support (part 1)
In this episode of the Uni Connect Podcast, the hosts are joined by Paula, a member of the disability advice team at the University of Bradford. They discuss the various forms of support available to students with additional needs who are considering higher education.
This episode covers the following topics:
- The importance of personalized support and understanding the impact of disabilities on a person's daily life
- Open days, highlighting the significance of feeling comfortable and confident in the chosen institution and stress the importance of considering factors such as accommodation and location.
- Support available including Disabled Student Allowance
- Transition from secondary school to higher education for students with additional needs.
- Importance of utilising support from the disability and mental health teams within universities.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 6: Digital Skills
In this episode of Uni Connect podcast, the hosts delve into a discussion about the significance of digital skills in today's world. They are joined by guests Charlotte and Rebecca, who share their insights and expertise on the matter.
Charlotte, who works for the Uni Connect program, emphasises the broad scope of digital skills, encompassing anything related to online platforms and activities such as social media, search engines, and online application forms. She highlights their importance in higher education and future employment opportunities.
Rebecca, a client service director at PR agency ‘Definition’ who focuses on reputation management, provides a professional perspective on digital skills. Rebecca underscores the importance of professionalism in email communication and the ability to adapt to different client styles. Rebecca also discusses real life examples, emphasising the significance of maintaining an appropriate online presence acknowledging that employers often review social media profiles when considering job applicants.
In summary, the podcast discussion emphasises the importance of digital skills in today's world. It highlights the need for individuals to be mindful of their online presence and the impact it can have on educational and employment opportunities. The speakers stress the significance of internet safety, cautiousness in online interactions, and thorough research when applying for jobs or seeking reliable information. They also provide advice for students to develop their digital skills and take advantage of available resources and support.
For more information about digital skills and resources visit: https://bit.ly/ghwydigitalskills
With special thanks to ‘Definition Agency’

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 5: Social Experience
Join us as we explore the social experience of higher education.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 4: Student Experience
Join us as we explore the ins and outs of university life. With special guest Laura MacGregor, Widening Participation and Outreach Manager at University Centre Leeds, who describes the differences between studying higher education compared with school or college. We then look at what the main differences between studying higher education at a further education college are and also the support that is available.
With so many higher education institutions out there, it can be challenging to know which one is the perfect fit for you. This episode provides an inside look at the student experience, giving you an opportunity to compare various institution settings and decide which aligns best with your goals and interests. You'll also receive valuable advice from experts and student ambassadors, helping you to make the most of your time at university.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 3: Student Finance
In this episode, host Jake Jackson and co-host Leyan Elyas from GHWY discuss student finance with expert advice from Leeds Beckett University, where we discuss the student finance process and details with real life examples.
We are then joined by student ambassadors ready to share their first-hand experience applying for Student Finance, and offer valuable insights and practical tips for maximising your financial support.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 2: Apprenticeships
In this episode, host Jake Jackson and co-host Leyan Elyas from GHWY discuss the apprenticeship route with guest speaker Nick Galicia from Zenith, a leading vehicle leasing organisation which operates their own apprenticeship programme. We will discuss key attributes that make a good apprentice and offer tips when applying and presenting themselves whilst exploring what a typical day looks like.
We are then joined by a recent apprentice Daanish, who is currently studying a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration. Daanish describes what life is like and how valuable it has been putting into practice what he has learnt.

GHWY Uni Connect Podcast - Episode 1: UCAS
In this episode, host Jake Jackson from GHWY will be asking special Guest Jasmine Simons, an Admissions and Registration Officer at Leeds Conservatoire about UCAS and the application process. We will hear from current students offering their advice and insights about the process, offering key advice and tips when considering where to study, the application process and ‘does and don’ts’ for personal statements.

Insight into Student Life: Episode 2- Finding Independence at University
In this episode a group of Year 10 students in Leeds speak to a university student about ways to gain and develop independence after school and college.

Insight into Student Life: Episode 1- Navigating University Life
In this episode, Year 10 students from Leeds will be asking a university student from Leeds Beckett University, their questions on navigating university life during the pandemic and post- pandemic.

Uni Connect Progression Series: Episode 5
Listen to this episode to hear from Ellie, the Pastoral and Digital Lead at Leeds City College, on her pathway through university and into the world of work.

Uni Connect Progression Series: Episode 4
Check out this episode where we talk to Josh in the Business Engagement team at Leeds City College, about the path he took to get into this role.

Uni Connect Progression Series: Episode 3
In this episode, we speak to the Head of Sport at Leeds City College to find out more about the steps she's taken which have led to this role.

Uni Connect Progression Series: Episode 2
In this episode we chat to a travel and tourism teacher at Leeds City College about the experience he has in the travel and tourism industry and how that has led him on the pathway to becoming a teacher

Uni Connect Progression Series: Episode 1
This episode is the first in our new progression series! Throughout the next few weeks we'll be interviewing a range of staff members from Leeds City College so you can find out more about their progression after school/ college and how they got to where they are today.

Episode 13: Student Finance and Money Management
In this episode we discuss the student finance process with Leeds Beckett University.

Episode 12: Transitioning to HE. Preparing for the move to University
In this episode we chat to a second year student from The University of Leeds. They provide loads of useful tips on how to manage your time and workload at university, how to meet new people, how to budget and manage your money- and much more!

Episode 11: Studying Engineering at University
In this episode we'll be speaking to a Professor from Sheffield Hallam University to discuss the different types of Engineering degrees available to study at HE level. If anyone wants to explore these in more depth we recommend using UCAS to research for courses.

Episode 10: Teacher Training
In this episode we'll discuss different routes into teaching; and Charlotte will be interviewing a final year student from Leeds Trinity University on how she has found her Primary Education degree, and the experience/ opportunities it has given her.

Episode 9: First Term at University- a student insight
In this episode we'll chat to a student who's finished the first term of their bachelors degree at the University of Bradford- he'll be chatting about how he's found studying during the pandemic, how you can prepare to start university and top tips to have a good first term.

Episode 8: Interviews and Portfolios
During this episode we're going to cover 2 different types of courses.....health based courses and art courses and we'll be looking at how you can prepare and stand out during the additional interview and portfolio requirements.
Health Courses Section: 3:40- 14.40
Art Courses Section: 14.40- 25.40
Top Tips: 25.40

Episode 7: The UCAS Application Form- what do you need to know?
This episode covers the key things you need to know when completing your application form, highlighting the areas where students often go wrong.

Episode 6: Studying HE at a college
This episode explores how different settings and courses lend themselves to different learning styles and we chat with the University Centre Leeds about what studying at a college can offer.

Episode 5: Societies and their benefits
This episode explores the benefits of joining a society at university and we'll be chatting to the Vice President of the African and Caribbean society at Leeds Beckett University, to find out more about what a society can offer you!

Episode 4 - Medicine
During this episode we talk with University of Bradford about applying to Medicine and health related courses. Following our chat with Caroline, we give you our top tips about the application process, interviews and admission tests.

Episode 3 - Conservatories
This episode we focus on conservatories, as applying to some performing arts and music courses have different deadlines and application processes. If you are applying to study a performing arts or music course at a University or College you will still find the information about your applications, portfolios and auditions really useful

Episode 2 - Personal Statement
In this episode we talk about personal statements, what to include in them, how to structure them and how to make them persuasive. We hear from Will, from Leeds Beckett University who give us some advice on writing a personal statement, which is follow by a summary of our top tips.

Episode 1 - Applying
In this episode we focus on applying to Higher Education. We talk with a Leeds City College student, Joel, who shares his experience applying to university. We then share our top tips on applying to university.