In this episode Elizabeth speaks to Christian about decision making and then applying to university as a mature student.

This is an important viewpoint as about a third of undergraduates in the UK are mature students.

Christian shares his story of facing a fork in the road about his future - looking for another job or making the move towards university. There were many of things to consider especially as he knew the world of work but didn't know any mature students. He now does!

Listen as Elizabeth and Christian discuss:

• What steps helped Christian move towards being a university student.
• The positives and challenges of being a mature student
• The importance of seeing the bigger picture and understanding your WHY of higher education and beyond
• Support that universities can offer for this particular group of students
• Using your strengths and skills from your work experience to university life
• The advice that Christian offers to make this a successful transition

As the summer holiday begins in the Northern Hemisphere, many students, teachers and parents are looking forward to some rest and relaxation after a busy academic year.

For many students this time represents the end of one stage of their education and the beginning of the next, a move from primary to secondary school, a transition to higher education, or maybe a move into the world of work.

In this episode, Elizabeth shares her professional insights into this time of year and how she supports students, parents and educators to embrace both endings and new beginnings.

Listen as we discuss:

Elizabeths reflections from her professional work at this time of year.

Four elements of the RAFT framework.

• The importance of review and reconciliation.
• The value of affirmation
• The rational for taking the time to make a good farewell
• The positivity in thinking destination.

A little of what we have got right and wrong during our past times of transition.

Why transitions are not all easy, there are both good times and bumps along the way.

The importance of self-compassion at this time.

A timely episode for this time of year.

Exams over, results out, the long summer vacation begins. A time for re-connection between students, family and old friends. A time that brings joy and probably also 'some' frustration...

In this episode, we revisit Episode 55, first designed for the return home after term one at university. On re-listening we realised everything we said was relevant not just for that first return but for subsequent ones as well.

So, whether you are a student, parent or other family member, this episode is worth a listen as you all embark on The Return -:)

We discuss:

• How student experiences will have varied and home life may have moved on. How to find the new balance.
• The importance of setting realistic expectations and communicating them.
• Why 'negotiation' may become the most helpful word of the summer.
• The value in good endings and new beginnings even when the transition is a mini one.
• A reminder to put your well-being at the heart of the holiday period. Rest and recovery.... and whatever else makes you feel well.
• Setting the scene for a positive return to university in September.

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 this episode we reveal why we believe a Transitions Blueprint will help students to adjust and settle well as embark on their move to university.

This follows on from Episode 74 where we shared our rational and foundations for the blueprint and why we believe it is necessary to make this kind of support available for students.

In this episode we discuss:

• How our professional and personal experiences have been our source of inspiration for transition support.
• Why cultural agility forms part of the solution for times of transition.
• How our approach complements the support many universities aim to provide for students.
• The three tasks that we have to support students.
• Our approach and plans.

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

One of the health fundamentals we believe is the most neglected, is the importance of rest and recovery - and we’re not talking about sleep.

This is SO important at busy and stressful times such as exam season and here we revisit an episode first published last year.

We share:

• The seven different ways we can choose to ‘rest’ and ‘restore’ our energy levels outlined by Sandra Dalton Smith in her book: Sacred Rest: Recover your life, renew your energy, restore your sanity. Which would be your favourite?
• Why developing a rest and recovery mindset is so important and why rest is essential for good work and helping us to prevent ‘slow self harm’ (Alex Pang).
• The signals we need to look out for that suggest we need to take more time for rest and recovery. What signals are you aware of? When do you ignore the signals?
• The ways in which we have been programmed to ignore our need for rest. What do you think gets in the way of you and rest?
• Ideas for taking more appropriate rest and recovery time.

Exam time is looming and students are getting down to revision plans - and hopefully some effective revision!

But what makes studying effective? How can students get the most from the time they spend with their noses in their books?

In this episode: Bradley Busch from Innerdrive provides evidenced based strategies for students when studying for exams - he shares the following ideas:

• There's a difference between what we like to do when we are studying and what’s effective
• Studying is challenging work and isn’t easy!
• What helps to makes knowledge stick and different ways to retrieve the knowledge you need in the exam
• How and why spacing - is an effective study strategy
• The importance of starting your work early - we often underestimate the time we need
• Why effort is contagious and how to harness its power.
• The NASA rocket metaphor and how it can propel you into work space
• The truth in relation to distractions and their impact on the quality and quantity of learning