Busy Brains

Busy BrainsEP9: Family expectations

Feeling pressure to live up to your family’s expectations? You’re not alone.  This Busy Brains episode dives into the challenges students face when balancing personal goals with family hopes; whether it’s about careers, grades, or life choices. Hear honest stories, students perspectives, and practical ways to navigate those conversations while staying true to yourself. Huge thanks to Hatim Kara, RLA in Mercator College and guest for this episode for sharing his experience so openly and honestly.

Ep. 8: Loneliness

It's Busy Brains again and in this episode we explore the quiet, often misunderstood experience of loneliness—what it feels like, where it comes from, and why it can persist even when we’re surrounded by others. Through personal stories and expert insights, we unpack the difference between solitude and isolation and how modern life shapes our sense of connection. Our guest in this episode is Abdelbasset Boudjerda, our Off-Campus Student Support Officer who shares his own personal experience with loneliness.

Ep. 7: FOMO

This is EP 7 of CU Busy brains where we talk about FOMO (fear of missing out): that nagging feeling that everyone else is doing something more exciting or meaningful than you. We explore how social media fuels FOMO, how it affects our wellbeing, and practical ways to manage it so you can feel more present and satisfied with your own experiences. A huge thanks to our guest Gabriela Yanez, our Community Coordinator in charge for the TOS Team and Clubs on campus as well as to one of her TOS Team members Matas Sidlauskas for sharing their insights.

Ep. 6 Sexual Health Education

This special episode, is released in alignment with CU's “What & Why Sexual Health” Awareness Campaign. We dive into sexual health education across cultures and why it matters on an international, culturally diverse campus. Our lovely Health Peer Mentors share insights from their educational backgrounds, reflecting on how sexual health is taught (or avoided) where they come from and how it’s perceived within their cultures. This episode highlights the importance of inclusive, accessible sexual health education that respects cultural differences while empowering students to make informed choices. A huge thanks to Laura Smith, Head of Student Life & Support and our Health Peer Mentors who shared their perspectives.

Ep. 5 Homesickness

Now that Students are back from winter break, returning from home, or a great winter adventure; homesickness can show up when we least expect it: back on campus. In this episode, we talk about what homesickness really is, why it happens, and how to cope with the mix of longing, guilt, and loneliness that often comes with it. Thanks to all students who opened up about this difficult topic for this episode, your honesty is highly appreciated! This episode is featured by Adilah Ponnurangam (Resident Life Manager in Mercator College), who herself left her home country to study and work far away from her family.