A Big Sister’s Guide to College | Academic Resources, Success in College, Higher Education,

Ask a Big Sister (w/Anders & Lyla Lovstuen)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:14:15 -0400

This episode was super special and fun to record. I was able to get both of my own younger siblings on the podcast and answered any questions they had. My brother is a Sophomore at Iowa State so he provided some of his experiences there, and my sister will be an incoming freshman at UNI in the fall so it was nice to be able to answer the questions she had. Due to the nature of this episode the content is wide ranging so be sure to listen in. I hope you have as much fun listening as I did recording this one with my siblings.

"Lookin Up" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) is licensed under CC BY 4.0

The Library & The Learning Center (w/Lydia Appleby-Sparrow)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:54:04 -0400

I was lucky enough to have one of my friends come on for this episode to talk to me about her experience as a Peer Mentor in the learning center on campus. Lydia talks about how she helps out in the freshman specific classes and connects with students. I also give a little more background on the learning center itself and the library in general. Discussing the tutoring services available and all the wonderful resources the library has available for check-out. Again this was a super fun episode to record, I hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it.

"Lookin Up" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Student Success & Retention (w/Sam Hospodarsky)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:49:59 -0400

In this episode I chat with Sam Hospodarsky from UNI's Office of Student Success and Retention. We talk about the resources they offer students throughout their time at UNI including orientation, panther welcome, and something new to me success coaching. Recording this episode was so much fun for me and I think you'll have just as much fun tuning in.

"Lookin Up" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Courses: Enrollment, Quick Tips for Success, & Dropping

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 02:16:24 -0400

On this episode of A Big Sister's Guide to College I talk all things course basics. Course enrollment and planning out your schedule, basic tips for success in classes, and the process of dropping a course and when it can be beneficial to you.

"Lookin Up" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Orientation & Welcome Week

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 01:41:18 -0400

Welcome to a Big Sister's Guide to college. This first episode offers an introduction to me your host, and an overview of the Orientation process, move in, and the first few days on campus.

"Lookin Up" by Shane Ivers (silvermansound.com) is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Welcome to A Big Sister's Guide to College

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:35:00 -0300

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the higher education world? Do you find yourself not knowing where to turn for resources when you need it? Are you looking for advice from someone who has been in your shoes before?

A Big Sister’s Guide to College is the bi-weekly podcast that dives into the resources available in higher education and how to best utilize them for your success. Hosted by Anya Lovstuen, we explore resources available in college, bringing you expert opinions, real life stories, and strategies for success. Whether you're starting out your higher ed. Career or in the thick of it, this podcast is here to help you be the most successful.

As your resident big sister with 3 yrs of college experience under my belt, I've definitely seen just about it all by now. My journey from high school senior to almost graduated undergrad has taught me there is a lot more assistance available to you than you realize. I understand the college student experience because I've been there.

Through my work on campus and my experience in my own collegiate career, I discovered there are a lot of people on campus that care about you being there and being successful, which I realized most students don’t realize. This led me to begin sharing these resources with those around me and students I came into contact with. Now, I want to share these resources further to all of you.

If you're looking for strategies for success in higher education, A Big Sister’s Guide to College is where you'll find real life experiences, expert advice, and resources for success. Join us as we learn to navigate and be successful in the world of higher education.

So, if you're ready to learn more, tune into A Big Sister’s Guide to College. Don't miss an episode of this big sister’s advice on all things college resources and academic success.