Campus Conversations is a student podcast brought to you by UCL students and the Student Success Office. We're back for Season 2 — bigger, bolder, and with even more honest conversations about student life at UCL! Hosted by students, for students, this podcast dives into the topics that actually matter to students, from politics and careers to friendships, finances, and everything in between. This season, the conversations go deeper, the debates get bigger, and we’re bringing in more student voices, opinions, and real experiences from across our university. Whether we’re discussing the pressure to succeed, navigating life in London, or the big issues shaping our generation, Campus Conversations is all about sharing perspectives, learning from each other, and reminding you that no one has university life completely figured out. Expect thoughtful discussions, relatable moments, a few disagreements, and a lot of laughs along the way!
Episode 07 - Beauty, relationships and family life
In our final episode of Campus Conversations, Kat, Amman and Mubaraq explore how modern society is reshaping ideas around beauty, relationships and family life. The students discuss the pressures created by social media, changing beauty standards, “looksmaxxing” culture and the impact of constant comparison online, while also reflecting on identity, confidence and preserving memories in the digital age. They also debate whether traditional family values still fit with modern life, touching on gender roles, financial pressures, cultural expectations and the realities facing young people today.
The episode finishes with an honest “Campus Confession” about the pressure to achieve life milestones after graduation, as the students share thoughtful advice on navigating family expectations and uncertainty about the future.
13 May 2026
Episode 06 - Gender identity, equality and representation
In this episode of Campus Conversations, first-year UCL students Brandon, Lucia and Hafsa discuss gender identity, equality and representation in modern society. The conversation explores diversity in the media, the importance of cultural representation and finding community at university, as well as debates around masculinity, toxic online influences and the pressures facing young men today. The students also reflect on identity, immigration, opportunity and the experiences of women and people of colour, sharing personal stories and perspectives throughout an honest and thoughtful discussion.
7 May 2026
Episode 05 - Education, learning and student experience
In this episode of Campus Conversations, Mubaraq, Kat and Elif explore the realities of university life, discussing whether higher education is worth the cost, the pressures students face around careers and employability, and how university shapes personal growth and independence. The conversation touches on everything from “Mickey Mouse degrees” and soft skills to making friends, managing finances and adjusting to life in London. Drawing on their own experiences as UCL students, the hosts reflect honestly on the challenges and opportunities of student life, offering thoughtful advice for anyone navigating university and thinking about their future.
30 Apr 2026
Episode 04 - Justice and moral boundaries
In this episode of Campus Conversations, Amman, Mubaraq and Abubakar explore big questions around justice and moral boundaries. They dive into debates on assisted dying, weighing up personal choice, ethics and religion, before unpacking whether the prison system really rehabilitates people or just reinforces cycles of reoffending. The conversation also turns to student experiences of safety in London, with honest reflections on anxiety, media perceptions and practical ways to stay safe. It’s a thought-provoking discussion that encourages students to consider different perspectives and reflect on how society defines right and wrong.
23 Apr 2026
Episode 03 - Relationships, friendship and modern connections
In this episode of Campus Conversations, Amman, Elif and Maja chat about relationships, friendships and modern connections at university. They explore everything from the rise of AI relationships and whether they can ever replace real human connection, to the realities of making friends at uni—sharing honest advice on putting yourself out there, navigating loneliness and building meaningful friendships over time. The conversation also touches on the impact of money and social differences on friendships, with practical and reassuring reflections on staying true to yourself and finding connections that work for you.
17 Apr 2026
Episode 02 - Modern society & culture change
In this episode of Campus Conversations, Amman, Mubaraq and Kat chat about modern society, culture change and what it really means to be “colourblind.” Through honest and relatable conversation, they share their own experiences of university and everyday life, unpack ideas around racism, unconscious bias and microaggressions, and explore why simply ignoring differences isn’t the same as being anti-racist. It’s a thoughtful but accessible discussion that encourages students to reflect, stay open-minded and be part of positive change.
31 Mar 2026
Episode 01 - Politics, Identity & Belonging
This week on Campus Conversations, we’re diving into some big topics that hit close to home for students — from politics and protests to identity, opportunity, and what it really means to “make it” at uni. Hafsa, Kat, and Elif chat about whether protests actually lead to change or just raise awareness, and unpack the pressure to stay informed in a world of trending causes and social media activism. They also get real about class, internships, and the not-so-level playing field when it comes to building a career — questioning the idea that success is purely down to hard work. The conversation then turns to politics, debating whether 16-year-olds should have the right to vote (and whether anyone should be forced to!). To wrap things up, the hosts tackle a relatable “Campus Confession” about choosing the wrong degree, money struggles, and the overwhelming reality of student life in London. Honest, thoughtful, and full of relatable moments, this episode is all about navigating uni life, finding your place, and figuring things out as you go — because let’s be real, no one actually has it all sorted.
8 May 2025
Episode 09 - Sports, hobbies and interests
In Episode 09 of Campus Conversations the podcasters dive into the world of sports, hobbies, and personal interests, sharing their own experiences and opinions. They discuss the importance of sports in student life, how hobbies help manage stress, and the ways personal interests shape identity and social connections at university. The conversation also touches on balancing leisure with academic responsibilities, making it a relatable and insightful episode for students navigating campus life. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.
Transcription link:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/episode-09-sports-hobbies-and-interests
Date of episode recording: 2025-02-12T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:39:50
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Inara Vanessa André, Keira Gazzingan and Sophia Mencatelli
Guests: N/A
Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw
In Episode 08 of Campus Conversations, the hosts speak with student adviser, Adella Forder-Gore, from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services to explore the vital services available to students. The discussion covers how advisers assist with academic, emotional, and practical challenges, aiming to demystify support systems at UCL. Listeners gain insight into how Student Advisers help students navigate university life, from managing stress to accessing accommodations and resources. It’s a helpful and encouraging episode for anyone looking to better understand or make use of UCL’s wellbeing support. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.
Transcription link:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/clone-episode-08-ucl-student-support-services
Date of episode recording: 2024-03-22T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:07:34
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Kate Goodall, Sophia Mencatelli, Nadia Ahmed
Guests: Adella Forder-Gore
Producer: Luther Mayers, Devon Kuziw
17 Apr 2025
Episode 07 - Politics
In Episode 07 of Campus Conversations, Ayesha, Sophia and Inara dive into the intersection of politics, technology, and activism. They explore the rise of AI and its ethical implications, including its impact on education, the workplace, and environmental sustainability. The discussion also covers tourism and cultural respect, the dangers of misinformation on social media, and the role of government regulation. The episode wraps with a nuanced look at protests and grassroots activism, questioning their effectiveness and boundaries.
This engaging conversation reflects the hosts' personal experiences and broader societal issues shaping student perspectives today. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.
Trigger warning - This podcast episode discusses some very sensitive topics that may be triggering for the individual watching. If you feel you need a supportive conversation after watching, please do seek support. If you are a UCL student, you may wish to contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Date of episode recording: 2025-02-12T00:00:00Z
Duration: 42:28
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Ayesha Qamar;Sophia Mencatelli;Inara Vanessa André
Guests: No guest
Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw
10 Apr 2025
Episode 06 - Mixed Topics
In episode 06 of Campus Conversations, Keira and Inara engage in a lively and thoughtful discussion covering a wide range of personal and societal topics. They explore the role of religion in their lives and communities, reflect on cultural identity, and unpack perspectives on morality, forgiveness, and justice. The conversation also delves into relationships, family values, and the influence of education and societal expectations on young adults. With moments of humour, honesty, and deep reflection, this episode offers a compelling snapshot of student voices navigating complex issues in today’s world.
Trigger warning - This podcast episode discusses some very sensitive topics that may be triggering for the individual listening. If you feel you need a supportive conversation after watching, please do seek support. If you are a UCL student, you may wish to contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Transcription link:
www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/…de-06-mixed-topics
(https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucl.ac.uk%2Fteaching-learning%2Fucl-student-success%2Fstudents%2Fcampus-conversations%2Fepisode-06-mixed-topics&token=5daebf-1-1744194045925)
Date of episode recording: 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z
Duration: 42:36
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Keira Gazzingan;Inara Vanessa André
3 Apr 2025
Episode 05 - Counselling Services - Let's ask the staff
In Episode 5 of Campus Conversations, Kate, Sophia and Nadia interview Dr Sonia Greenidge, Head of the UCL Counselling Services, to discuss the role of counselling in supporting students' mental well-being. They explore the importance of seeking help, the common misconceptions about counselling, and the skills counsellors use to create a safe and supportive environment. The conversation also highlights the benefits of talking therapy and UCL's mental health resources. Whether you're considering counselling or just curious about the process, this episode offers valuable insights into its importance in student life.
Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/episode-05-ucl-counselling-services-lets-ask-staff
Date of episode recording: 2024-03-22T00:00:00Z
Duration: 13:22
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Kate Goodall;Sophia Mencatelli;Nadia Ahmed
Guests: Dr Sonia Greenidge
Producer: Devon Kuziw, Chantal Romain, Craig Cunningham
27 Mar 2025
Episode 04 - Pop Culture
In episode 04 of Campus Conversations, Keira and Inara are joined by Student Success Manager Luther where they dive into the impacts of pop culture on society. From cancel culture and social media’s influence to the role of reality TV and news consumption, they explore how these trends shape our perceptions, values, and everyday lives. The discussion also touches on the balance between staying informed and protecting mental health, as well as the power and pitfalls of social media in modern student life. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the cultural forces that define our world today.
Transcription link:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/episode-04-pop-culture
Date of episode recording: 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:40:33
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Keira Gazzingan; Inara Vanessa André
Guests: Luther Mayers
Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw
20 Mar 2025
Episode 03 - Living in London
In episode 03, Ayesha and Angelica are joined by Student Success Officer Adella to share and chat about their experiences of living and studying in London. They discuss the challenges of adjusting to the city's fast-paced lifestyle, high cost of living, and competitive housing market while also highlighting the vibrant opportunities London offers—from cultural diversity and student discounts to free events and green spaces. They offer practical advice on budgeting, making the most of student resources, and navigating both university life and future career prospects.
Whether you're new to London or considering studying here, this episode provides valuable insights into student life in the capital. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.
Transcription link:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/episode-03-living-london
Date of episode recording: 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z
Duration: 41:42
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Ayesha Qamar;Angelica Davis-Aladren
Guests: Adella Forder-Gore
Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw
12 Mar 2025
Episode 02 - Finance - Let's ask the staff!
Episode 02 dives into finance by interviewing UCL staff. Join Kate, Sophia and Nadia as they ask Josh from the UCL Student Funding team the important questions about finance. Josh talks about financial support and, cost-of living and how students can manage their finances. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.
Date of episode recording: 2024-07-22T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:12:43
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Kate Goodall;Sophia Mencatelli;Nadia Ahmed
Guests: Josh Du Sautoy
Producer: Chantal Romain, Craig Cunningham, Luther Mayers, Devon Kusiw
7 Mar 2025
Episode 01 - Student Life
Episode 1 dives into all things student life. Whether you're in the middle of your studies or reminiscing about your time at university, we’re here to explore the highs, lows, and everything in between. From myths about university life to the impact of COVID-19, and the real value of exams, we’ll cover a range of topics that all students can relate to.
Date of episode recording: 2025-02-11T00:00:00Z
Duration: 44:49:00
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Ayesha Qamar;Kate Goodall;Angelica Davis-Aladren
Guests: N/A
Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw
Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100
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