The Uni Guide Podcast

Is university for everyone? Access, affordability and opportunities

Episode 49 – Is university for everyone? Access, affordability and opportunitiesIn 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 supportWhy widening participation is so important for universities and organisations like the Sutton TrustThe types of support and opportunities available to help students from widening participation backgrounds succeedUniversity events and programmes designed specifically for widening participation studentsThe conversation then shifts to lived student experience, with honest reflections on:What feels most challenging when arriving at university as a first-generation studentWhether university is becoming too expensive for students from low-income familiesOne message for students questioning whether university is for themWhether university is truly for everyoneHow accessible top universities really are, regardless of backgroundThis 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 TrustClaire Mula, Law with Business student and an aspiring solicitorDr Leah Brooks, Chief Operating Officer at Future Frontline and Uni Guide Podcast hostStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your uni course choice shape your future career?

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 decisionsThe extent to which degree choice affects employment outcomesExamples of careers where a specific degree is essentialWhich subjects offer the most flexibility for students unsure of their future plansTowards 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 ProspectsReece Buckley, Final year Micro and Molecular Biology student at Manchester Metropolitan UniversityStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Student discounts before and during university

Episode 47 – Student discounts before and during universityIn this episode, we explore the world of student discounts – what’s available, how to access them, and how students can make the most of the savings on offer both before and during university.Our guest Sheeva from Student Beans shares insider tips on the discounts that most students don’t know about, from travel and tech to food and fashion, and explains how to make sure you’re eligible – even before you’ve officially started your course. With Black Friday approaching, we also look at how students can find the best deals without falling for marketing traps.We’ll cover:The range of discounts students can expect when starting universityThe most popular and surprising student offersWhat’s needed to access discounts as a studentSmart ways to make the most of Black Friday dealsWhich discounts Year 12 and 13 students can already take advantage ofWhether you’re about to start university or still planning your next steps, this episode will help you stretch your student budget further and make the most of every saving.Featuring:Sheeva Fallahi, Content Strategist at Student BeansRosie Glover, Final year Law student at Durham UniversityStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 Results day takeaways & 2026 uni application tips

Episode 46 – Results day takeaways & 2026 uni application tipsIn this episode, we look back at clearing and results day in 2025 and ahead to the 2026 application cycle – exploring what’s changed, what students can learn from this year’s trends, and how to make stronger choices for next year.James Seymour, an experienced university marketing and recruitment director, joins Year 13 students Chloe and Tami, and current uni student Reece to unpack the headlines from results day and what they mean for future applicants. Together, they discuss what’s different about university admissions this year, why the “top” universities aren’t always the best fit, and how students can make confident, informed decisions about their next steps.We’ll cover:What’s changed in results day 2025 that matters for 2026 applicantsWhy some universities recruited more students this year – and what that meansHow to decide which course and university are the right fitThe biggest mistakes students make when applying, and how to avoid themWhether university is still “worth it” with higher costs and feesOne practical thing students can start doing now to boost their applicationsIf you’re thinking about university in 2026, this episode offers real insight into what’s changing in admissions – and how you can prepare to stand out.Featuring:James Seymour, experienced university marketing and recruitment directorChloe Bonner, Year 13 student studying Politics, History and BusinessTami Okubote, Year 13 student studying Computer Science, Maths and PhysicsStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University in 2026 – year 12’s biggest questions answered

Episode 45 - University in 2026 – year 12’s biggest questions answeredIn this episode, we’re looking ahead to university from a Year 12 perspective, tackling the questions that are front of mind for students right now. From choosing courses to writing personal statements, this is a chance to hear honest views from current students who are one step ahead in the process.We’re joined by new co-hosts Chloe and Tami, both starting Year 13 and thinking about studying Business (Chloe) and Computer Science (Tami). Together with current student Reece, they share their experiences, worries and advice on the journey to university.We’ll cover:How students decide which courses to considerWhat it feels like to think about moving away from homeFirst-hand experiences of university events and open daysThe reality of predicted grades and how they affect decisionsPersonal statements – including thoughts on the new formatStudent finance – what feels clear and what’s still confusingThe advice Reece would give to his younger selfWhat Chloe and Tami say they’ve learned most from this episodeIf you’re in Year 12 and already thinking about university in 2026, this episode gives you the student perspective on the big questions you might have yourself.Featuring:Chloe Bonner, Year 13 student studying Politics, History and Business Tami Okubote, Year 13 student studying Computer Science, Maths and PhysicsStudents, Parents, Carers and Teachers - please access these FREE resources:UniTasterDays.comThe Students' Guide to University BrochureThe Parents’ Guide to University BrochureThe Teachers' Guide to University BrochureUniversity event incentive platformUniversity Jargon BusterUniversity Subject Guide VideosThe Uni Guide Podcast - all episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.