The Uni Guide Podcast
University guidance, expert insights and real student experiences
University guidance, expert insights and real student experiences
Thinking about university? The Uni Guide Podcast is here to help you make sense of it all.
Each episode explores the big questions about choosing a university, finding the right course, applying through UCAS, student finance, preparing for university and what student life is really like.
Hosted by Jon Cheek from UniTasterDays, the podcast brings together current students, recent graduates and expert guests to share honest experiences, practical university advice and the things they wish students knew earlier.
Whether you’re a student considering your next steps, a parent supporting them, or a teacher or careers adviser providing university guidance, you’ll find straightforward conversations designed to help.
No jargon. No assumptions. Just useful university advice and real experiences.
Bakirathe is a first-year medical student at the University of Cambridge. She is passionate about democratising access to spaces for all students to pursue their dream careers, and volunteers as a chemistry tutor and mentor to help young people both enter and thrive in these environments.
She also serves as a committee member at the British Tamil Medical Association (BTMA), a non-profit charity organisation, working to inspire and unite British Tamil medical students, aspiring medics and doctors from all over the UK.
She regularly partakes in public speaking events & debating challenges, and hopes to create a space where young people are not just encouraged, but actively recruited, to speak their minds.
Elizabeth is the CEO and Founder of The HerEstate Network alongside a public speaker for young talent and women.
She is a bold advocate for creating spaces that highlight the importance of equity, access and opportunity, especially for women and young people in industries where they have traditionally been underrepresented. As the founder of The HerEstate Network and a young public speaker, she strives to create equity and interest in youth advancement as a culture rather than an optic.
Emma is currently a gap year student. Having studied A-level maths, biology and psychology, she is taking the time out to develop professionally and gain hands-on experience, before starting a Psychological and Behavioural Sciences degree. She loves "nerding out" about all things human, and is looking forward to using the extra time to read more about evolutionary, and political psychology.
Driven by her passion for amplifying the voices of young people in conversations, she enjoys being involved in different research and advocacy projects, particularly on mental health.
Emma is excited to share her own experience navigating post-18 options, get to have conversations about other people's journeys, and hopefully offer some support on the big decisions!
Ishan is a Software Engineer, Drummer, and a keen traveller. He completed his studies at the University of Cambridge, where he studied Computer Science, graduating in June 2023.
During his time at University, he won scholarships for his musical ability and travelling. His YouTube channel documented his time at Cambridge and advises students on the application process.
Upon graduating, he spent several months travelling Europe, coaching students on their university and job applications, as well as a week working as a Computer Science ambassador with the Sutton Trust Summer School.
Leah is a multi-award winning resident doctor and health and wellbeing advocate.
She graduated in 2025 from the University of Sheffield and has interests in health communication and mental health.
She has spoken at multiple events as a keynote speaker on topics including neurodiversity, mental health and her journey as a state educated widening participation medical student.
Leah aims to create health communication that is accessible to all, break stigmas in health and wellbeing, and help people feel less alone on their journeys.
Reece is a First Class Micro and Molecular Biology graduate from Manchester Met and is now continuing his journey as an MSc Environmental Technology (GECP) student at Imperial College London. During his time at Manchester Met, Reece received the First Generation Scholarship and became heavily involved in university life through student mentoring, widening participation, STEM outreach, and his role as the university's first Sustainability Student Officer.
He is passionate about creating opportunities for others and encouraging young people to explore where science, sustainability and higher education can take them. Reece is particularly interested in biodiversity and environmental governance.
Alongside his studies, he contributes to youth-led sustainability and climate action initiatives. He has represented young people in national and international forums, including as a member of the COP30 UK Delegation to the UNFCCC.
Alongside his academic and professional interests, Reece is a keen competitive archer and Archery GB coach (level 2) and loves getting outdoors in nature. He continues to champion collaboration, public engagement and opportunities that empower young people across the UK!
Rosie is a Law Graduate from Durham University and now works as a Claims Operations Assistant for Hiscox.
Alongside her studies, she has gained experience across legal and corporate environments through vacation schemes and insight programmes at leading US, international and Magic Circle firms, developing a strong interest in business, insurance and commercial operations.
At Durham, Rosie held leadership and operational roles across university life, including Chair of Phoenix Ball, Head of Operations for Grey College Fashion Show and Freshers’ Representative. She also participated in Durham Fight Night, balancing fundraising, training and competition alongside her degree.
Tiana is currently a student at University College London, pursuing a degree in philosophy.
Driving to promote youth representation, Tiana advocates both nationally and internationally for the inclusion of under-represented groups in all facets of decision making. Having worked closely in the past with the UN and UNICEF, issues of rights, policy and democracy are extremely important to her.
Tiana is a young leader with Partnership for Young London, working with the NHS to ensure their healthcare services are accessible and supportive.
Alongside this, Tiana has taken up MMA and bartending at university - and is looking forward to another great year!
Jon Cheek is the Founder and Director of UniTasterDays, which supports schools, students and families with events, resources and guidance on university choices across the UK.
Before founding UniTasterDays in 2012, Jon spent over ten years working in student recruitment and outreach roles at three universities. He continues to deliver university guidance workshops in schools and colleges nationwide, hosts The Uni Guide Podcast and the One in Five Podcast, and works closely with over 100 university teams on outreach, engagement and professional development.
Jon was also the founding editor and producer of the annual UniTasterDays guides for students, parents and teachers, which continue to be produced and shared with schools, colleges and families across the UK.
Tim is an experienced higher education widening access professional, with a passion and proven track record for delivering positive change to increase access and opportunity to those from underrepresented backgrounds.
As well as having a wealth of experience in the higher education sector, Tim is the UniTasterDays Uni Guide resident podcast specialist. This responsibility includes producing each episode - and keeping Jon on track!
