In this episode, international student Shreya shares her experiences about moving from Mumbai to Portsmouth. She discusses how homesickness, a new academic environment and the pressure to make the most of a major investment affected her transition, along with the routines and connections that helped.

This show is brought to you by University Student Support Services, Student Life and Student Wellbeing team at the University of Portsmouth, that investigates the mental health of students. Hosted by James Quinn, Student Life Officer, and Steve Daley, Student Wellbeing Advisor.

Key topics

• Homesickness and culture shock
• Adjusting to a new academic system
• Pressure to succeed abroad
• Finding support and asking for help
• Building routines and social connections
• How universities can support students

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Settling into life in the UK

04:23 Learning and academic pressure

05:57 Mental health and finding support

08:05 Routines and coping strategies

09:42 Campus support and community

10:51 Advice on adjustment and homesickness

12:59 Reflections and support services

SUPPORT

People of the Global Majority | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

International Student Advice | MyPort for Students - University of Portsmouth

Chaplaincy | MyPort for Students - University of Portsmouth (for support information about Beyond Borders café)

Support from Student Wellbeing | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

Wisdom app - Support from Student Wellbeing | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

In this episode, first-year student Meghann shares how she navigated university after being diagnosed with autism just over a year ago. She shares the challenges she faced, the support that helped, and how universities can make learning more accessible.

This show is brought to you by University Student Support Services, Student Life and Student Wellbeing team at the University of Portsmouth, that investigates the mental health of students. Hosted by James Quinn, Student Life Officer, and Steve Daley, Student Wellbeing Advisor.

Key topics

• Navigating university as an autistic student
• Managing change, deadlines and mental health
• Study adjustments and accessibility
• Learning strategies and extra time
• Peer connection and social energy
• Advice for students and universities

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Neurodiversity in University Life

01:43 Starting University as an Autistic Student

04:10 Managing Mental Health and Academic Pressure

06:12 Support Systems: The Importance of Communication and Resources

08:51 Enhancing the University Experience for Autistic Students

10:31 Advice for Incoming Autistic Students

12:24 Understanding the Unique Challenges of Autistic Students

14:21 The Role of University Support Services

SUPPORT

Disability Advice - Disability Advice | MyPort for Students - University of Portsmouth

Navigating Neurodiversity Group - Wellbeing workshops, events and groups | MyPort for Students - University of Portsmouth

ADHD in adults - NHS

Purple Lantern Society - Purple Lantern Society - UPSU

Student Minds - Life as a neurodivergent student - Advice and Information - Student Minds

Room One - Room One - For Autistic and Neurodivergent Adults in Portsmouth

Support from Student Wellbeing | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

Wisdom app - Support from Student Wellbeing | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

In this episode, Harry discusses returning to the University of Portsmouth after a spinal cord injury, adapting to new routines and study demands, and finding support. He reflects on the practical steps involved in returning to his master’s degree, the impact of fatigue and accessibility on campus life, and how friends, therapy and university services helped him adjust.

This show is brought to you by University Student Support Services, Student Life and Student Wellbeing team at the University of Portsmouth, that investigates the mental health of male students. Hosted by James Quinn, Student Life Officer, and Steve Daley, Student Wellbeing Advisor.

Key topics

• Spinal injury and returning to university
• Study adjustments and accessibility
• Fatigue and campus life
• Adapting study methods
• Friendship and therapy
• Advice for students and universities

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Harry’s accident and recovery

05:23 Returning to university with support

06:36 Access, fatigue and student life

08:18 Stigma and feeling included

09:30 Adapting learning and study routines

12:17 Mental health and coping

15:09 Improving access and advice for students

17:51 Disability, wellbeing and getting support

SUPPORT

Disability Advice - Disability Advice | MyPort for Students - University of Portsmouth

Support from Student Wellbeing | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

Wisdom - Support from Student Wellbeing | MyPort for Students -University of Portsmouth

Reference Table 15 - UK permanent address student enrolments by disability and sex 2014/15 to 2024/25 | HESA