The University Guys

Discussion and interviews about everything to do with university admissions, offering an international perspective, from David Hawkins and the team at The University Guys

The University Guys is a arts podcast hosted by David Hawkins, with 104 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

David Hawkins hosts The University Guys, a arts show with 104 episodes published.

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  Episode #104

  The University Guys Podcast: Episode 104, Accomodation in London

  Aug 25, 202621 minS1

  In this episode of The University Guys Podcast , host David Hawkins explores the "hidden curriculum" of student accommodation with Harsha Brown, Director of Hosts International. They unpack how a student's living situation directly impacts academic success, cultural integration, and overall well-being when studying abroad. Key Topics Covered Beyond the Bedroom: Why finding the right accommodation is about emotional support, security, and cultural immersion—not just having a place to sleep. The Post-Pandemic Housing Shift: How changing student expectations, safety concerns, and affordability are redefining housing choices for international families. Navigating Big-City Living: The reality of studying in major hubs like London, including commuting, using public transit, and stepping outside international "bubbles". Vetting & Safeguarding: The extensive background checks, host screening, and 24/7 wrap-around support needed to ensure a safe environment for students. Advice for First-Time Students: Managing culture shock, setting realistic expectations, and building independence while staying connected to a support system. Featured Guest Harsha Brown – Director of Hosts International, a British Council–registered accommodation provider specializing in homestays for international students. Resources Mentioned Website: Hosts International

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  Episode #103

  Episode 103: Back with Unifrog

  Aug 11, 202623 minS1

  In this update episode, David Hawkins follows up on Episode 24's interview with Unifrog co-founder Alex Kelly. Joining the podcast today is Nick Weir, an 11-year Unifrog veteran who leads the organisation's international school and higher education partnerships. David and Nick reflect on Unifrog’s remarkable evolution from an 8-person UK start-up to a global platform supporting over 1,300 schools across 130+ countries. They discuss how Unifrog’s founding ethos, putting students first and maintaining impartiality, continues to drive its mission as a B Corp and family-owned business. From "Hello Kitty" tuk-tuks in Bangkok to overnight buses across Europe, Nick shares funny behind-the-scenes stories from Unifrog's growth, while highlighting how collaboration with counsellors, school networks, and organisations like International ACAC helps shape the platform's tools for university and career exploration worldwide. In this episode, we cover: The growth and global reach of Unifrog over the past decade. How Unifrog’s B Corp structure and student-first philosophy underpin its development. Country-specific search tools and features built for international counsellors and students. The power of macro data in helping schools plan future university pathways. Fun anecdotes from Nick's 11 years travelling the world supporting international counsellors. Get in Touch: Website: www.unifrog.org Email Nick Weir directly: nick@unifrog.org

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  Episode #102

  Episode 102: Dubai

  Jun 29, 202621 minS1

  Dubai’s educational landscape is fast-paced, highly competitive, and incredibly diverse. For families looking at university in the Emirate, the options are many and varied. In this episode, David catches up with Jan Williams, Head of Sixth Form and Careers University Guidance Counsellor at Repton Al Barsha, Dubai, to learn more.

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  Episode #101

  Episode 101: Baret Scholars

  Jun 22, 202629 minS1

  What does it look like to build a better future across boundaries? As a cohort of over 100 students from 40+ countries travelling across seven global regions, the Baret Scholars are proof that community can bridge any cultural divide. In this episode, David is joined by Naijing Guo to learn more about this exciting programme.

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  Episode #100

  Episode 100: live from the Global Pathways Summit

  Jun 15, 202620 minS1

  100 episodes. To mark it, we did something different. At our Global Pathways Summit in London, Hannah Young grabbed counsellors and university reps between sessions and asked them one question: why international? Schools talked breadth, day-school students wanting bigger worlds, networks that travel. Universities discussed class sizes of 17, degree specialisation, and life on campus. And then we turned the question on ourselves - the TUG team, school-side and university-side, on why we cross the desk to do this work. Featuring voices from Down House, St Helen & St Katharine, Roedean, Rollins, SCAD, IE Madrid, and the team behind The University Guys. Subscribe, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and here's to the next 100.

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