Manchester Voices: A student podcast from The University of Manchester

We welcome all students to our diverse and beautiful student community, including those that identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Our students, Madi, Esa, Chris and Ray talk about all their experiences of being students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.They discuss how they feel about the city of Manchester as a supporting diverse community; the support on offer to them from the University, including that of from the Students' Union; what spaces and societies they feel most at home in at the University; the perceptions of LGBTQ+ people in the city and the UK more widely; and of course - Gay Village and its many nightclubs, bars and cafes. 

For this special episode of Manchester Voices, we brought in three recent graduates of the University to talk about their experiences of finding work after university, top tips on how to make the most of your time at the University, how to make yourself more employable during your studies, and the future for them. Giorgia Ravera is a Sustainability Coordinator and graduate in Politics and International Relations. Michael Sullivan is a Software Scientist at Rutherford Appleton Lab and studied both a Master's in Theoretical Physics and a PhD in Particle Physics of Philosophy at the University. Norbert Magos is a Senior Policy Advisor and a graduate of Politics and International Relations. 

It's very natural to feel lonely at university! In a sea of thousands of people, this is still a very normal experience. There is plenty support and advice for you if you experience this. Our students Maansi, Dorsa and Tom have come together to talk about their experiences and offer you some support. 

To celebrate International Women's Day, Dorsa, Ella and Ruby got together to talk about their experiences of university life as women and what women inspire them. The group discuss what International Women's Day means to them; what women inspire them; their experiences of being women at university; and their greatest achievements! Not to mention, a special shout out to Taylor Swift,  Beyonce and all mums. 

Students Dorsa, Aurora and Natasha discuss what it's like to be an international student living and studying in the UK. Culture shocks, food, applying to study here and more! 

In this upcoming episode, Aurora, Natasha and Dorsa discuss life as an international student. What made them choose Manchester? What are the culture shocks here? Why does Aurora think she comes across as rude?! 

With January exams well underway, this podcast explores the best ways to revise, as well as how to study in the lead-up. Dorsa, Daniella, and Iqra also discuss places to study, the Library team, their hacks and more. 

What are the first few weeks of university like? What is Fresher's Week like? Is university how you expected it to be? How have you settled in to university? How often do you speak to family? Do you feel different from the university experience? Student Dorsa asks fellow students Daniella and Jacob all about student life at the start of the university experience at The University of Manchester.As referenced in the podcast: 'Lessons I’ve Learned From My Course (That Have Nothing To Do With the Course)': https://studentnews.manchester.ac.uk/2023/05/02/lessons-ive-learned-from-my-course-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-the-course/ Professor Brian Cox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Cox_(physicist) Our Lockdown Lecture with Professor Brian Cox: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/coronavirus-response/coronavirus-home-learning/lockdown-lectures/brian-cox/

Dorsa, Iqra and Khadijat talk honestly and openly about the cost of studying. The group discuss what they spend their money on, how they manage their finances and what part-time jobs they have to earn money while studying. 

Students Aidan, Maansi and Grace discuss what to pack for university, what to buy when you arrive, moving away from home, accommodation, joining societies, and saving money and they affordability of being a student in Manchester. 

Students Maansi, Khadijat and our host Georgia, discuss the things you need to think about before coming to university. How easy is it to make friends? What is the step-up like? What's it like coming from abroad? Is studying a lot harder? 

Students Aidan, Maansi and Irene talk about what they were most worried about before starting their studies at university. They talk about making friends, accommodation and much more, as they battle the misconceptions of starting university.