University skills: Making the most of university resources

Private Tuition specialist Ariana shares her advice for students starting University this year.

In the first few weeks of the first term of the first year of university, there are many places on campus that students get to know well: the library, the party corridor, that one campus bar where you can get a free slice of pizza with your pub quiz question sheet.

Once the rush of freshers’ week activity has died down, and students start to settle into their academic routines, it can get pretty easy to become idle about seeking out the resources that are available on campus. You’d be amazed at what most institutions have to offer, and often for free!

Library Resources

Once you’ve connected to your university’s Eduroam Wi-Fi, you’ll have whole realms of library resources to explore that will help you complete your coursework.

For instance, every student at some point in their academic career will enter an arms race to the library to grab that single copy of that one book everyone on their course needs to read ahead of next week’s seminar. In this instance, you can check if your library’s online catalogue has a virtual, PDF copy available for you to read and highlight on your laptop, or you could play it really smart and reserve the physical copy online for you to collect later from the library in person (and at ease!)

Need a book that your library doesn’t have? Interlibrary loans could be an option! See if you can order books from other university libraries to your own, either online or by asking a librarian. If your course reading list is quite expensive to buy brand new, as they often tend to be, your university may even have a second-hand bookstore that sells previous students’ course books at a reduced price – sometimes with the important parts already highlighted and annotated for your benefit!

Support with Assignments or Essays

If ever you are feeling totally out of your depth with an essay or assignment, be sure to look to your university for the tools you’ll need to succeed.

Office hours grant you access to the scholarly wisdom of your Professors, Lecturers, and Tutors, who are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate your way through the intricacies of your assignments. Your teachers may also offer you some dedicated timeslots for 1:1 support during term time, which you can book out when you need to voice any course-related queries or concerns you may have.

Some universities also offer extracurricular IT training and Essay Writing workshops that you can drop into if needs be. These are great for refining your writing skills or mastering your use of a piece of software or online resources to ace your next assignment. Newsletters and emails from your course department are a great way of spotting these events.

Software may be the crown jewel in the grand arsenal of assignment and essay tools universities have to offer. From Office 365 packages to extra file storage, and even software for data visualisation or product design, if it’s necessary for your course then your university will probably cover the subscription for you to get you on your way to achieving academic excellence!

And for those annoying instances when your tech doesn’t comply, and your software or hardware fails you, your university should also have a tech support hub for you to go to. Here, staff can troubleshoot the issue you’re having and hopefully provide you with a solution that will get you back on track!

Pastoral Support

Beyond academics, universities also offer a wide range of support services to enhance their students’ personal well-being and overall university experience, to ensure that each student thrives in their time at university.

In support of this, most institutions include access to on-campus gyms with very affordable membership options, giving you the chance to exercise alongside your peers. As well as fitness, these facilities provide a safe and low-pressure environment for students to learn how to use gym equipment and try something new.

Holistic student support often also comes in the form of mental health services, including therapy and nightlines which students can use to discuss personal challenges or concerns in a secure and private environment.

To prevent that babe-in-the-woods feeling when it comes to learning how to manage your studies, organise your workload, and keep on top of deadlines, lots of universities provide you with valuable mentorship to guide you in the right direction. This can involve support from older students who have completed the same course you’re enrolled in, and who can offer first-hand advice on how to handle your academics, or dedicated staff members who are knowledgeable about your field of study and who can give you professional guidance on your academic journey. Make sure to read the student support information you may receive at the start of term carefully to understand what’s on offer, or speak to your peers or students in the year above to understand what’s worked for them.

And as you begin to think about the future, your university can help you to chart your career course with several career service offerings. You can schedule career advice consultations at your institution to explore the vast array of work experience, internships, and graduate schemes that are out there. Whether you’re deciphering your career choices or seeking out specific opportunities, your university will equip you with the means to discover the career paths that are available to you after graduation.

Bookable spaces

Across the landscape of university campuses, there are a diverse array of bookable spaces designed to cater to various student needs.

Should you need a computer or require a printer for an assignment, most universities will have computer labs readily available for your use. These labs also offer a change of scenery from your usual working environment, providing a focused space to immerse yourself in typing away at essays and projects. Similarly, for those who thrive in peaceful working environments, or need a dedicated space to brainstorm for a group project free of distractions, many universities also offer private study rooms or library space.

Some institutions take this offering a step further by providing media rooms for their students too. These spaces are perfect for practicing group presentations with projectors, being used as a rehearsal space for student theatre groups, or even hosting movie nights with friends.

Recognising the need for spiritual well-being amongst academia’s hustle and bustle, many campuses feature multi-faith places of worship and religion-specific chapels. These serene spaces allow you to take a break from your daily routine, meditate, or engage in religious practices, and find a sense of community too.

How to go about discovering these resources

Remember, every university is unique and will have its own way of promoting its resources for its students. But I would begin your search by delving into your institution or course handbooks for valuable guidance on how to gain access to some of these resources. Also, keep a watchful eye on your student email – and be sure to log into it on your phone! – as that is where a wealth of handy course-specific insights, department updates, and campus life tips await. And don’t forget the power of Facebook, Whatsapp or social media groups, an invaluable tool for direct contact with peers in your subject cohort. Use them to ask questions and tap into extra student wisdom on university resources.

These are just starting points, and your university may have many more resources to be discovered. I hope you’re excited to get to grips with the resources your university has to offer. Embrace the possibilities and make the most of your academic adventure!

Getting started on your University journey? We are here to help. We support students throughout their studies, from settling in and developing great study habits to course, exam and dissertation support. Get in touch with our team to discuss your journey.