The Student Connect Podcast: Recent Episodes

Staffordshire University

Join our students as they share their experiences progressing through university education with experts from a variety of life-topics - including mental health, diversity, wellbeing, and inclusivity - whilst sharing those funny and all-too-honest stories to make you laugh out loud. Our hosts, Nesta and Alex, have 40 years in education combined and even more life-experience to share with you.

In this episode, join students Danny and Karl as they share their experiences from a life-changing trip to Indonesia through University of Staffordshire's study and work abroad opportunities.

Discover how international exposure can enhance your skillset, boost your employability, and open doors to new cultural perspectives. Whether you're considering studying abroad or simply curious about the impact of global learning, this episode dives deep into the transformative power of international experiences and how they shape a student's academic journey.

Tune in and get inspired by the possibilities that await! 🎧✨

StudyAbroad #GlobalConnections

In the premiere episode of the new series, we bring you a special recording from Staffordshire University's Open Day, featuring Amit Shah, an accomplished alumnus and former president of the Drama Society. This live episode, recorded in front of a studio audience, showcases the vibrant campus life and diverse opportunities available through clubs and societies at Staffordshire University.

Amit shares his journey from his time as a BA (Hons) Drama student to his successful career in stage and screen, including his recent role in the hit TV show "Happy Valley." Reflecting on his university days, Amit highlights how being part of the Drama Society helped him gain confidence and develop a strong work ethic. His story is a testament to the enriching extracurricular activities at Staffordshire University and their impact on personal and professional growth.

Join us to get inspired by Amit's experiences and learn more about the dynamic student life at Staffordshire University. This episode aims to encourage visitors and prospective students to explore the myriad of opportunities the university offers and to stay engaged with the Student Connect podcast for more insights and stories.

Celebrate the conclusion of our Student Connect Podcast third series with us! This special episode, recorded at Stoke-on-Trent Pride, celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.

🌈 Host Tiffani wraps up the season with inspiring chats featuring Esports student Kurtis and Illustration student Tee, diving into their unique experiences.

Fashion student Nunika, hailing from Delhi, India, dives into her journey of living in the UK as an international student. Tune in as she shares the vibrant contrasts between life in the UK and Indian culture. Don’t miss her unique insights and experiences!

This episode was recorded at Guru Nanak Gurdwara And Sikh Cultural Centre - Stoke on Trent, and we would like to extend our thanks for the hospitality we recieved.

Computer Science student, Aurelia, moved to the UK from Poland as a child, and has since gone on to be recognised for her incredible contribution to women in STEM subjects.

Aurelia shares more about Polish culture with student hosts, Danny and Tiffani, in the local 'Tradycja' supermarket.

MSc Computer Science student Faran, speaks about his experience as a Pakistani Muslim studying in Stoke-on-Trent.

Third year PE and Youth Sports Coaching student, Danny, grew up in Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent in a working class family. He was the first in his family to attend university, and shares the impact his mental health had on his drive for success.

In this episode of the podcast, third year Law student, Mario, joins us to talk about Romani culture. Listen as Mario educates our hosts about Roma people, and shares a poem his father would read to him as a child.

As Hanukkah comes to a close, we visited Stoke-on-Trent synagogue with children's nursing student, Abi, to learn more about Jewish culture.

You can find out more about the Student Connect Podcast on our website at: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/student-life/student-connect-podcast

hanukkah #university #jewishculture

Nokwanda is a Black British female, aeronautical engineering student at Staffordshire University. She joins our student hosts, Danny and Nunika, to discuss Black British culture and the importance of conversations like this one.

MSc Digital Marketing international student, Sherifat Adeyanju, talks to student hosts Tiffani and Danny about Nigerian culture.

Filmed and recorded at Hanley Park, a short walk away from campus.

Courtney is an offer holder for Social Work at Staffordshire University. She shares her story of choosing a university.

Banji graduated from Staffordshire University in 2022 from his Masters Degree in Music Production. He shares his journey of being motivated after university, how he deals with challenges from autism, and what's next in his career.

Self-proclaimed Stokie's Phil and Beth, now work at the university, and are advocates of the county. They chat with Danny, also from the area, and Tiffani who commutes from Birmingham, about their love of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Grace is a student with autism. She shares more about the disorder in the latest episode of Student Connect Podcast.

International student, Alex, shares her story around travelling to the UK to study ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent.

Foundation year student, Lewis Melia, shares more about the experience of commuting to university, and student hosts Danny and Tiff share some of their stories of the journey.

University Chaplain, Mic ‘the Vic’ joins student hosts – Tiffani and Danny – to discuss the ‘alternative Christmas’ and how we can support those who may not have the traditional celebratory season.

Student Placement Officer, Siobhan, shares her story with us, around her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and the challenges she has overcome to succeed.

In series two we hear from our community as they share their personal stories.
In the first episode, we hear from Mavii, President of the African Caribbean Society at Staffordshire University.

He joins new student hosts Danny and Tiffani.

University lecturer, Joe Hazzam and Psychology student, Jess, join student hosts Alex and Danny to chat about settling in at university, the support your lecturers and peers can offer to you, and what to do if you need advice.

Let the countdown commence! As you start your final preparations for uni, our hosts Alex and Nesta chat with Beth from our International Student Support team and international student, Pannya on how to prepare for starting university.

In this episode, we welcome special guest and work experience student, Chris, who shares his experience of preparing to choose a university and whether to move away from home. The student accommodation team then assembles to chat with student hosts, Nesta and Alex, about living options when at university. Will you choose home, or away?

In this special bonus episode student hosts Nesta and Alex speak to Senior Development and Alumni Relations Officer, Samantha Evans and her recent husband, Matt Evans, who share their story around meeting at university and how you can keep in touch after graduation.

In this episode we welcome careers expert Holly O'Rourke and Staffordshire University alumni and part-time lecturer, Maxie, to chat about graduate destinations and careers.

Wise up on how to spend and save your money - hosts Nesta and Alex welcome student Juliette and Student Support and Experience Practitioner, Rachel, to talk about the tips and tricks they use for managing their finances.

This episode is all about giving ourselves some TLC and how we take care of our wellbeing at university. Whether it’s physical or mental health, we’re going to share our experiences and get some practical advice about how to look after our wellbeing too. Join student hosts Nesta and Alex, who will be speaking with Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, Jonny, and final year student, Esewi.

In this episode we discuss the skills we learn at university, or in education, that become skills for life. That could be academic or survival skills: everything from how to cook pasta, how to budget for your food shop, how to reference correctly, or how to structure your work. We're joined by first year Games Art student Juliette, and Academic Librarian and Skills Tutor, Jodie.

In this episode our students and support staff will explore the topic of diversity at university – what it means to them, their own experience of diversity and inclusion during their studies. Our hosts chat with transgender Concept Art student, Rhys, who has openly shared his experiences around transitioning during university; representatives from the student inclusion teams will also draw upon their own experiences and offer advice on where to seek support.

This episode will introduce hosts Nesta and Alex, sharing their own experiences of university so you can get to know them a little better.