Connections Corner

Connections Corner

By: University of Gloucestershire

Language: en

Categories: Business, Careers, Education, Self Improvement, Society, Culture, Relationships

Connections Corner brought to you by University of Gloucestershire - New episodes every other Wednesday. Welcome to Connections Corner – the podcast that dives deep into the real university experience: the friendships, the mentors, the spontaneous chats and shared ambitions that shape your future far beyond the classroom. Hosted by Ivana and Hesham, this show is your go-to space for honest, relatable conversations about how meaningful connections at university can unlock self-confidence, open career doors, and help you find your tribe. We speak to students, staff, alumni, and industry professionals to uncover the stories behind the success – the networks built, the risks...

Episodes

Hit Submit With Confidence: UCAS deadline advice with UoG's Outreach Team
Jan 09, 2026

We've got you covered for UCAS application season with an episode full of advice and tips. Hosts, Holly and Ivana, are joined by Student Outreach Officers, Jen Lewis and Maariyah Mulla, to talk through last-minute panics, perfecting the personal statement, and the key dates to keep in your diary after hitting submit. Plus, Student Meals of the Week is back with its best intro yet as well as an ambitious goal about yorkie puds from Jen. You don't want to miss this one! We'll be back on your feed every other Wednesday, subscribe so you don't miss out.

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Duration: 00:48:23
New Year's Special: Vision Boarding Team Glos' 2026
Jan 09, 2026

We're back! In the first episode of 2026, your brand new (sort of) duo are here with a New Year's special of Connections Corner. Holly and Ivana look forward into what's to come for #TeamGlos and chat about all their favourite moments from last year. 

Connect with us @UniOfGlos & #TeamGlos

Duration: 00:24:51
That moment when applying to uni feels real
Dec 03, 2025

In this penultimate episode of the year, Hesham and Ivana dive into your biggest questions about applying to uni through UCAS. From choosing your courses to hitting submit with confidence, we break down what you need to know in a way that actually makes sense. We also share our best tips for writing a personal statement that sounds like you and shows off what makes you stand out. Whether you are applying right now or still thinking it through, this episode is packed with honest advice, real examples, and the kind of guidance we wish we had at your age...

Duration: 00:49:31
Graduation Special: From International Student to Miss Gloucester International
Nov 26, 2025

In this graduation day special of Connections Corner, Ivana and Hesham sit down with the amazing Manpreet, an international student graduating from University of Gloucestershire and the newly crowned Miss Gloucester International.
Filmed at Cheltenham Racecourse on one of the biggest weeks of the year, this episode dives into friendship, independence, culture, nerves, celebrations, and what it really feels like to walk across the stage after years of hard work.
✨ In this episode:
• What graduation week is really like behind the scenes
• Manpreet’s journey from Delhi to Gloucestershire
• Finding independence, overcoming challenges, and building a new life...

Duration: 00:34:07
“If my first-day self could see me now…” Jordan Renwick on Growth, Friends & Graduation
Nov 26, 2025

Grab your cuppa (or your Tesco’s finest prosecco 🍾) because this week’s Connections Corner is pure chaos and comfort in equal measure.
Hosts Ivana and Hesham catch up with journalism graduate Jordan Renwick, who talks about:
🎓 Her upcoming graduation (and her fear of falling on stage)
💡 The unforgettable Newsweek that made everyone cry (and bond for life)
🦆 The great campus duck-feeding debate
🥴 The most questionable student meals ever sent in (gravy pasta, anyone?)
☕ The wholesome reality of coffee-fuelled deadlines and library “office hours” with friends
It’s funny, nostalgic and very UoG — full of inside jokes, heartfe...

Duration: 01:00:29
We are at the Gym?! with Dr Jordan Wintle and serious career advice
Nov 04, 2025

This week on Connections Corner, Ivana and Sam chat with Dr Jordan Wintle, Associate Head of the School of Education, Health and Science at University of Gloucestershire. Dr Wintle shares his journey from student to lecturer, his tips on making the most of university life, and how to turn study into real-world success. From placements and partnerships to motivation and belonging, this episode is all about finding purpose, building connections, and growing your career at UoG. Follow @uniofglos and catch new episodes every Wednesday.

Connect with us @UniOfGlos & #TeamGlos

Duration: 00:50:40
Our Flat Might Be Haunted, But We’re Thriving
Oct 29, 2025

It’s spooky season at University of Gloucestershire! 🎃 In this Halloween special, hosts Hesham and Ivana are joined by Layan and Freya, two third-year Drama and Performance students, for a lively chat about all things Halloween — from their favourite costumes and films to performing Shakespeare in a stream and making friends through creativity. The group also dive into what it’s like to study Drama and Performance at UoG, how collaboration between courses helps students grow, and what “connections” really mean when you’re at university. Plus, stay tuned for a hilarious round of The Wheel of Misfortune — a spooky student spin on “...

Duration: 00:58:47
Please don't judge my screen time | Getting Cosy & Connecting IRL | Part 2
Oct 22, 2025

We’re back with Part 2 of our “Getting Cosy & Connecting with Your Community” special — and this time, we’re taking the conversation online. 💻✨ Join us again on Connections Corner as we chat with Holly, our UoG social media admin, about building real friendships in digital spaces and using social media for good. From supportive group chats to networking on LinkedIn, we’re exploring how online connections can boost your uni experience — and even kickstart your career. 🚀 This episode dives into:Making meaningful friendships through social media 💬Staying authentic online (and avoiding burnout) 🌿How online communities can open career doors 💼Using your platforms to inspire and u...

Duration: 00:52:51
Meet the UoG Social Media Admin 👀 | Getting Cosy & Connecting IRL
Oct 15, 2025

It’s finally happening… we’re revealing who’s behind the UoG socials! 👀 Join us on Connections Corner as we sit down with Holly, our mystery social media admin, to chat all things connection, community, and cosy vibes. This week kicks off our two-part series: “Getting Cosy & Connecting with Your Community.”
In Part 1, we’re diving into IRL connections with major “-ber month” energy — think Gilmore Girls, autumn leaves, and finding your people at uni. 🍂✨ We talk about:
Making new friends and settling in at uni 🤝Holly’s uni journey (and how changing her mind shaped it) 🎓Cosy autumn routines and “main character”...

Duration: 00:56:14
Getting ‘Fed Up’: Freya's Journey from Dance Captain to SU Officer
Oct 08, 2025

In this episode of Connections Corner, Ivana and Hesham are joined by Freya, our Students’ Union Activities and Opportunities Officer, for an honest chat about her UoG journey, and the incredible work she is doing in her role.
From previously leading the university Dance team to launching her campaign ‘Fed Up’, Freya opens up about tackling food insecurity among students, as well as taking part in a fun ‘Raid the Cupboard’ challenge, trying to piece together a nutritious and filling meal with what’s left in your food cupboard before your next food shop. And, of course, we get Freya...

Duration: 00:53:16
Let’s get connected: from awkward hellos to dream careers
Sep 29, 2025

In this very first episode of Connections Corner, it’s just your hosts Ivana and Hesham—no guests, no script, just real talk. Get to know the voices behind the mic as we share how we both found our way to uni, what sparked this podcast idea, and the kind of energy we’re bringing to every episode. Expect stories, banter, and… a little too much detail about how Wingstop may or may not have triggered a shopping habit for Ivana (👀). We’ll also hear from Hesham, who’s juggling postgrad life and finding connection in the chaos of a master’s degree...

Duration: 00:56:34