Successful Student Transitions - A Time to Thrive Louise Wiles and Elizabeth Gillies

We know the starting university is both an exciting and scary time.
For many students it is their first step into moving away from home and living independently.
Over the past 18 months on this podcast we've been exploring the question of what it means to thrive in times of transition as a student, and we believe we have reached some important conclusions.
In the next episode, episode 75 we reveal our Blueprint for Successful Student Transitions.
In this episode, we present our rational and the foundations for the Blueprint.
Here we:
Discuss the nature of change in the 21st century and ask, how well are we preparing student for this fast paced ever changing world?Outline the experience of university transition and explain why supporting students to thrive through this life change, provides an important template for future transitions. Share recent research into student wellbeing and mental health when starting university. Share our four foundations for the Blueprint for Successful Student Transitions. We hope you enjoy this episode.

Welcome to Exam Smarts.
In this episode, we're excited to welcome Steve Schecter from MuchSmarter.com. Steve brings his wisdom of learning and tutoring experience to this inspiring conversation, packed full of engaging stories leading to pertinent lessons.
Listen to discover:
How to harness the power of expectations in a way that makes the most of potential.Wise words on the subject of perfectionism, why we need to stop believing all we think especially about our limitations.Steve's thoughts re GRIT and his preference for persistence of thought and habit.Why celebrating small gains is the way to win at exam/assessment preparation.The value in the exam experience for building important life skills - yes really!Steve's 5 powerful tips for approaching exam season with confidence.To learn more about Steve, go and read his inspiring story HERE

Welcome to this episode where we celebrate student voices.
In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Anja about her educational journey and autism diagnosis.
Anja openly shares the highs and lows, the challenges and the ways in which she managed those challenges and survive her university experience.
It was not all plain sailing and Anja shares an important message for universities about supporting students who find socialisation challenging. It is not all about the academic support.
Listen as Elizabeth and Anja discuss:
The very positive support University Disability Services provided for Anja as she arrived and settled into the academics of university life. The challenges that arose, how Anja handled them, and how better support could have made a real difference to her experience. The importance of seeing the bigger and longer term picture - and university as a path to a positive future..The value of support outside of the university structure. Why it is so important to develop your ability to ask for help.

Welcome to an episode where we celebrate student voices and specialist university support
In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Edward Mills, a postdoctoral research fellow at Exeter University. Edward is a lecturer in medieval history, a personal tutor and is actively involved in Transition Days and the Enhanced Induction Programme for new neurodiverse students. He was diagnosed as autistic at the end of first university degree. He enjoys talking and writing on autism and history - just two of his passions.
Listen to learn more about neurodiversity and if you have an autism diagnosis there are helpful pointers about applying to university and in gaining support.
They discuss
You are not alone if you have an autism diagnosis when going to university. The latest data from 2021-22 indicate there are at least 19,000 young adults making the transition from school to university. The university experience might raise some challenges AND it could well be a place to thrive. Neurodivergence and university can go well together. It can be a place to showcase your strengths and skills that could be easy and fun for you!Edward encourages you to be proactive in sharing your diagnosis as this will unlock doors to meet your needs. He explains how adjustments and ILPs ( Individual Learning Plans), that are created in collaboration with students, can bring a range of support. Parents can be involved in this process of transition.Reading stories of the experience of the transition to university can be helpful. These can be found on the Autism and Uni Toolkit below. Edward shared a number of helpful resources that support neurodiverse students through the transition to university.

Welcome to an episode where we celebrate student voices.
In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Scarlet, an autistic PhD student who has experienced ups and downs in her 6 years of Higher Education.
It is a great conversation with Scarlet sharing her wisdom on the transition to university.
Listen to learn more about neurodiversity and if you have an autism diagnosis there are helpful pointers about applying to university and in gaining support.
They discuss
Doing the research on what support universities offer. This is usually though their Disability Service (DBS)It’s often a challenge to know about what support you might need at university because you don't know it until you get there. Your needs might change at different stages of your university experience.Scarlet’s skill in advocating for herself after a break from university. Making things happen for her and the students that come after her. The importance of focused support for autistic students e.g. burnout, scheduling work, noticing patterns of avoidance and developing reflection skills, preferably before the transition to university.Scarlet’s continued work to ensure the best support from her university and developing her skills to succeed.

Are you thinking about taking a gap year. If so this episode is for you. Phoebe talks to Elizabeth about her gap year and discusses:
Why she decided to take a year out.What she has been doing.How she has benefited from the experience.What she is planning to do next.