The Uni Years

Ever wondered what it’s like going from TAFE to uni? I’m your host Riley-Rose and in this series, we’re sitting down with every day legends who’ve made the jump from vocational study to university study.  What drove them? What surprised them? What advice do they have for people who are thinking about taking the leap themselves? Whether you’re curious or committed, you’re craving a change or you simply want to find out what the differences are between the two – these stories will help ignite the next move.  No fluff, no jargon. Just honest chats about the challenges, the wins and everything in between.  After completing a Diploma of Mental Health at TAFE NSW, Zach took a leap and enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Work at Charles Sturt University.Through his TAFE course, Zach built his skills and confidence.

We’re joined by host Rachel as she chats with Michelle all about being a mature-aged student and how her life experience has turned out to be her greatest asset. She is a huge advocate of mature-aged study and has inspired dozens of people across her uni years with her positive attitude and ambition to become a teacher If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what study could look like for you, let this conversation with Michelle inspire you. She shares the lows, the highs and everything in between that’s got her to this point. 

We’re joined by host Rachel as she chats with students Maddie and Rachel about the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to university placements. From landing the right opportunity to navigating the real-world work environment, they share honest insights, helpful tips, and what they wish they’d known before diving in. If you’re curious about what placements are really like, this is a must-listen.  

We're joined by host Jacqui as she chats with Amy about what it really takes to thrive as an online student at Charles Sturt University. From staying motivated to building connections and finding balance, Amy shares her tips, tricks, and honest insights into making online study work. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your study game, this convo is packed with inspiration. 

Today, we’re joined by host Jacqui as she chats with Suzy, a powerhouse online student who’s thriving while balancing life’s many demands. Suzy shares how she makes it all work and what keeps her motivated when the pressure’s on. Whether you're studying online or working out your own juggle, this one’s for you. 

Today, we’re joined by host Lucas who sits down with Ivy-Rose to unpack the real talk every new student needs. From navigating campus life to managing study stress, Ivy-Rose and Lucas get candid and share their top tips and the things they wish they’d known when starting out. Whether you're fresh to uni or just need a refresher, this episode is your cheat sheet to thriving from day one. 

Today, we’re joined by host Chloe and Tristan tackling the big three: burnout, procrastination, and those dreaded motivation slumps. From practical tips to personal stories, Tristan shares how he’s learned to stay on track even when life gets overwhelming. If you’ve ever stared at your to-do list and felt stuck, this one’s for you. 

Today we’re finding out what a lecturer is really like.What do you think of when you think of a lecturer or academic at a university? Maybe you think of someone in a tweed jacket with elbow patches and maybe you wonder whether you’ll get any face-to-face time with them.  Well, today, we can’t speak on behalf of ALL lecturers at ALL universities, but we will speak to one at Charles Sturt Uni – Matthew Hunt.  Matt Hunt gives us a real sense of what a lecturer gets up to, what motivates them and what he believes makes a good lecturer too. If you’re thinking of going to university in the future in any capacity, this chat’s going to give you some great insights into how impactful a teacher could be in your Uni Years.  Want to get in touch? Chat to us online or email ask@csu.edu.au