In this article, we'll explore the wealth of library resources and study spaces designed to help you thrive during this critical time, ensuring you have everything you need to ace your assignments and exams.
Maximizing Your Potential: A Guide to Library Support and Study Spaces
As the academic year reaches its climax, students are juggling multiple deadlines, from completing assignments to studying for exams and finalizing dissertations. Amidst this busy period, it's essential to remember that there are numerous resources available to support your academic success. From extensive library collections to expert guidance, these tools can help you excel in your studies and achieve your goals. In this article, we'll explore the wealth of library resources and study spaces designed to help you thrive during this critical time, ensuring you have everything you need to ace your assignments and exams.
Places to Study (On and Off-Campus) & Resources
1. University of Roehampton Library:
1000+ seats, bookable private study rooms, dedicated floor for silent study, specialized spaces for postgraduate and research students, hundreds of thousands of books, a cafe and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building – what more can one ask for!
Library Open Hours:
· Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 10:00pm
· Friday: 8:30am – 7:00pm
· Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
· Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
You can book an individual or group study room here: Space Availability - Library - Study Rooms - LibCal - University of Roehampton Library
Academic Support Services:
The library offers various academic support services to help students excel in their studies.
- Learning Skills Hub: Provides advice on using library resources, academic writing, referencing and understanding feedback.
- Subject Resource Guides: Curated guides offering the best resources, tips, and tools for specific fields of study.
- Personal RNIB Bookshare Accounts: available for students with dyslexia, visual impairments or physical disabilities that impact reading accessibility.
Specialized Support
The library also provides additional support for students with specific needs.
Technology and Equipment
The library is equipped with modern technology to facilitate learning:
- Over 200 computers available for student use
- 4-hour borrowable laptops via the LapSafe machine
- Quick access and catalog-only PCs on each floor
- Large screens in study rooms for group work
Staff Support
Friendly and dedicated library staff are available to assist students with their queries and research needs. The library offers support through various channels:
24/7 Digital Resources
Additionally, all students have access to an extensive collection of digital resources and the library provides 24/7 access to these online resources, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere:
- Thousands of e-books
- Numerous academic journals
- Specialized databases
- Online resource lists curated by lecturers for each module
Alternative Places to Study
Whitelands
- Manresa Hall: Manresa Hall is a large PC lab located in Whiteland which is a great quiet space to work during term time. Please note that the hours are subject to change, please check-in with the Whitelands’ Reception Team to verify the hours.
- Set Bar/Canteen: The space is open from 8am to approximately 8pm (please check with Whitelands reception on arrival) offering ample seating options that cater to various needs. It includes areas for group collaboration and individual work, as well as cozy sofa spaces for a relaxed work environment and more formal seating arrangements for focused productivity.
Southlands
- The Reef: The facility operates from 8am to approximately 8pm, offering a diverse range of seating options. It includes areas for collaborative group work, individual focus, and relaxed work environments with sofa seating, as well as more formal arrangements to suit different productivity needs.
- Sensory Room at The Well: Studying in a sensory room can be beneficial because it provides a calm and controlled environment that helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing students to focus better and improve their concentration. Sensory rooms also support emotional regulation and sensory processing, which are crucial for students with special educational needs or sensory processing disorders. Additionally, these rooms offer interactive elements that can enhance cognitive and motor skills development, making them an effective tool for learning and personal growth.
Froebel
- The Union Bar/Froebel Diner: Open from 8am and goes to around 10pm. Lots of seating as well as places for group work as well as places for individual work. Different places to sit on sofas for a more relaxed work atmosphere as well as more formal sitting arrangements.
- Costa Coffee: Although not as big as the Union Bar and other coffee places on campus, it offers a unique place to people to do group work as well as a place to grab a coffee and relax with some friends.
Digby
- David Bell Level 2/3: This gives the perfect dynamic of working in a formal setting, as well as a different place to work. The David Bell building has individual rooms that can be used as well as duo and group workplaces across the building.
- The Hive Cafe: A personal favorite study place is the Hive Cafe! If you would like an alternative place to study and enjoy an affordable yummy beverage, the Hive Cafe is open 8:30am – 2:30pm Monday-Friday 😊
OFF CAMPUS students:
SCONUL Access is a scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other UK academic libraries which belong to the scheme, or just the convenience of studying in a library closer to your home. It's completely free to join, so sign up on the SCONUL website today.
o What is SCONUL Access Scheme and how can I apply? - Library FAQs
Additional Resources:
Academic Development Sessions with the Student Engagement Team
o The Student Engagement team will offer online Academic Development Sessions online, twice a week, every other week. These provide an opportunity to further develop a range of academic skills in several key areas:
- Academic reading skills
- Referencing basics
- Developing and delivering effective presentation
- For more information: AFC@roehampton.ac.uk
Grade Booster Bootcamp:
Students of all years are welcome to the Student Engagement Team’s Grade Booster Bootcamp! The Bootcamp will run online and in person between the 31 March - 17 April weekdays from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Whether you want to sit down with an Academic Engagement Coach and talk through your work or just be surrounded by like-minded individuals who have come together to get their work done, please make the most of this opportunity!
o This will take place on the ground floor of the library weekdays 10am – 4pm or email AFC@roehampton.ac.uk to book a 1:1 with an Academic Engagement Coach.
In conclusion, the university offers a wealth of resources, designed to support your studies and help you succeed this exam season. Make the most of these opportunities to enhance your learning, broaden your study environment, and achieve your academic goals. We wish you the best of luck with your exams!