The Wonkhe Show Easter special
Apr 9, 2025
Liam White, President of Surrey Students' Union, champions student advocacy and the improvement of university experiences. In this engaging discussion, he tackles the myth of the full-time student model and the pressures faced by nursing and international students. Liam also sheds light on systemic issues such as tokenistic consultation and the challenges of disability and inclusivity in education. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for student solidarity and tailored support initiatives in Greater Manchester, making a case for meaningful engagement with diverse student populations.
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Unwritten University Rules
- Jim Dickinson started university feeling unprepared and unsure, highlighting the gap between induction and actual readiness.
- Despite equal induction, unequal preparation shaped his experience, emphasizing the need for better student support.
Evolving Student Life Stages
- Chris Millwood observes the resilience of the full-time model despite students juggling work and commuting.
- He also notes the extended middle age, with university no longer a definitive stepping-off point but part of complex pathways.
Full-Time Model Limitations
- Amira Campbell challenges the full-time model, arguing it reinforces the idea that studenthood is reserved for a certain type of person.
- She points out that marginalized individuals often don't follow the traditional A-level to university route, especially with potential BTEC discontinuation.