Podcasts to help you settle in at university

It seems inevitable that the daunting prospect of at least one aspect of university life will make you, as a first year, doubt yourself at one time or another in the coming weeks. Throughout my first few months of university, when the moments of silence whilst alone in my room seemed especially unnerving, my unwavering oasis was the solitude provided by a multitude of podcasts. Allowing myself to be drawn in by an interview, a history lesson, or an intimate conversation; anything that seemed to provide a level of comfort whilst I simultaneously completed the more mundane tasks that occupied my day. These podcasts became a tool with which I could tune out the world.  

It is this triumphant combination of light heartedness and real insight that creates a delightful listen

One podcast I frequently gravitated towards was Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Celebrity guests are brought on to discuss their dream menus: starter, main course, side dish, drink and dessert. The structured format of each episode and the seasoned comedians and hosts Acaster and Gamble make the guests promotion of their latest project feel almost natural. As opposed to a stereotypical interview style the ease of being in the presence of not one but two comedians, allows the walls of the guests to be lowered, as they are able to partake in the humour and engage in the amusing fantasy that comes alongside the selection of their dream menu. Similarly to the ways in which the acclaimed podcast Desert Island Discs unveils their guests most treasured songs, there is something comparatively distinctive about a podcast that exposes a guest’s favourite meals. Whilst it seems slightly farfetched to say so, the divulging of a celebrity guests’ favourite, and most distinctive meals offers an arguably intimate insight into their personhood, in the same way that choosing only eight pieces of music establishes a consummation of your life. It is this triumphant combination of light heartedness and real insight that creates a delightful listen.  

Argy lets listeners into her life by sharing personal stories and experiences without the fuss and feathers

Whilst Off Menu provides the listener with a series of entertaining, witty episodes ideal for someone looking for brief moments of laughter in amidst the overwhelming first few weeks of university, there can be value found in podcasts that offer advice or delve into certain common setbacks. This is where Pretty Lonesome with Madeline Argy interestingly forges to the forefront. Her direct, blunt delivery of her personal experiences feels more palpable than that of an expert who may address the subject, as Argy presents her own thoughts having overcome emotions such as loneliness, jealousy and self-loathing. Oftentimes without addressing the stigma surrounding any of her chosen topics Argy seems to effortlessly draw the listener in to her own experiences, addressing such topics as ‘Having no friends is fine’. Recording from inside her car, she seems less guarded, like a friend, as without the backdrop of a curated podcast studio, Argy lets listeners into her life by sharing personal stories and experiences without the fuss and feathers, ultimately making her seem more relatable and thus the solutions she presents far more achievable.  

When all your senses are inundated by unfamiliarity my one recommended remedy would be to be unafraid to search for things that give you a sense of contentment in amongst the newness

In those first few weeks of university life, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, I assure you. I found it incredibly difficult to learn and adapt, to get to know myself as an adult living away from home for the first time whilst balancing studying and socialising. When all your senses are inundated by unfamiliarity my one recommended remedy would be to be unafraid to search for things that give you a sense of contentment in amongst the newness. To find a podcast that interests you or takes your mind off something or allows you to not take things so seriously. When everything at the beginning of university life seems immense don’t be afraid to take a couple of minutes out, or even an hour and switch off. Freshers’ week and the weeks that follow are demanding in every way, it requires an endless supply of energy and although it is exceptionally fun and if I could go back I would take every opportunity offered to me, an hour to yourself is going to serve you well in charging you batteries.