Bits of Beds: A Pocket-Sized Student Guide to the University of Bedfordshire

Hear from our international students about the reality of life at the University of Bedfordshire.

In this special edition themed around National Inclusion Week (25th – 29th September 2023), hosts Amia and Amina are joined by two of our staff members: Susan Shutter, Director of Human Resources, and Dr Mohammad Alramahi, Principal Lecturer in Law, as they talk about the efforts they’re making behind the scenes to make Bedfordshire a more inclusive place to study and work.

In this special edition themed around National Inclusion Week (25th - 29th September 2023), hosts Amia and Amina are joined by two of our graduates - Richard Sackey-Addo and George Barnard - as they discuss the support they’ve received during their time at Beds.

In this special edition themed around National Inclusion Week (25th - 29th September 2023), hosts Amia and Amina sit down with Dr Suzella Palmer, Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Studies, to discuss her experience as a student and staff member at Beds. Chloe Sharp and Shelby Davies also join to share their experiences as students and the support they’ve received while studying.

During this special Clearing edition, hosts Joe and Cleo meet a variety of guests who give listeners a brilliant insight into Clearing. Special guests include BBC Radio 1’s Melvin Odoom and other alumni who are happy to have cemented their studies with Beds through Clearing. For more information and how to apply, please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/clearing or call: 0300 3300 073

During this minisode, Joe and Priscilla meet local businessman and Bedfordshire alumnus, Wayne, who talks about how he made the most of the free business support available to graduates via the University’s Research & Innovation Service. Through this support he was able to launch a start-up business and eventually went on to provide work placements and full time employment for other Beds students, including Yemi. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/ris

Joe and Priscilla are joined by two graduates who talk about the on-campus work experience they took part in which helped with their employability. Danny – who now works for BBC Three Counties radio – discusses his enjoyment of undertaking the role of Student Station Manager with Bedfordshire’s Radio LaB station during his final year of study, which gave him lots of hands-on broadcasting experience. Riya also discusses how she took part in the University’s Graduate Advancement Programme (GAP) after her studies, which enabled her to gain useful experience for her CV while earning a wage. For more information visit: https://radiolab.beds.ac.uk/getinvolved and www.beds.ac.uk/careers

In this minisode, Joe and Priscilla sit down with Michelle Everitt Head of the University’s Careers & Employability service to discuss the support and advice available to students and graduates. Psychology student Alan also joins to share his experience of using the careers service and how it’s helped to develop his skillset and improve his job prospects. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/careers

As a wheelchair user, student George and his tutor Danny Golding give our hosts Joe and Priscilla an insider look at life on campus and how George has benefitted from the University’s disability support, accessible accommodation and other services throughout his studies. Having started out on a Foundation course, George is now excelling in his final year of studying for a full Bachelors. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support

Joe and Priscilla are joined by Megan who recently graduated after studying Radio & Audio. She discusses her experience of learning how to be independent and self-sufficient after moving to Luton from Jersey, as well as the financial support and advice she received from the University. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support

In this minisode, Joe and Priscilla discuss the variety of support services available to students during their studies with the Director of Student Experience, Ruki Heritage. They also speak with final year student and refugee Fithawi, who used the support services to help him to excel and progress during his time at Beds. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support

Professor of Diversity in Public Health Gurch Randhawa and current PhD student, Fani, chat to Joe and Priscilla about some current research projects and the opportunities available to students with IHR – the University’s Institute for Health Research. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/ihr

Joe and Priscilla meet three graduates from ISPAR – the University’s Institute for Sport & Physical Activity Research, based at the Bedford campus. Marsha, Chris and Jane all recently completed their PhDs which have helped towards their careers, and they give listeners an insight into their interesting jobs at a local council (Marsha), the NFL (Chris) and within the School of Psychology here at Beds (Jane). For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/ispar

In this minisode, listeners are introduced to the research and PhD opportunities available to students at the University of Bedfordshire. Joe and Priscilla talk to Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Church, and current PhD student, Winifred. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/research

Our hosts, Joe and Priscilla, get an insider look at studying Mental Health Nursing here at the University of Bedfordshire. They chat to lecturer Valerie and student Maria about the course and opportunities it gives to those who wish to work in the mental health profession. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/mental-health-nursing

Joe and Priscilla meet international student Aleeha who has just graduated from the University. She tells them about the University’s mental health support services which she used during the Covid-19 pandemic – and which ultimately encouraged her to stick with her studies and graduate. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell

In this minisode, hosts Joe and Priscilla chat with on-campus counsellor Jill about the mental health support service available to students during their studies. They are also joined by student Nicola who discusses the wellbeing support she received during her studies. For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell

Introducing Bits of Beds - a pocket sized student guide to the University of Bedfordshire, landing September 2022. Whether you're thinking about going to university or are a current Bedfordshire student, this podcast will give you useful, personal insight into life here at Beds and the opportunities and support available throughout and beyond your student journey. Subscribe today!