Hello! In today's newsletter we bring you details of the researcher development NextSteps Careers series - including speaker events, coaching sessions and support sessions - alongside regular research development sessions from the Doctoral College. You can also take a break from work with Foundations for Wellbeing sessions. And, applications are still open for the PGR networking fund and the Three Minute Thesis competition. Read on for more details...
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“With the blink of an eye, two terms have passed, my notes are still quite empty, and yes, exam season is officially upon us. Whatever your assessments look like this term, the Library has resources to support you.
Before I continue onto this newsletter, I have an important message on wellbeing and self-care. A university degree is like a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself on your road to success by taking regular breaks and time out of your working day to look after yourself. Often, speaking to someone is the best way to process your worries, and remember, check on your mates to make sure they’re doing alright too!
In this newsletter, we have an update on our next wave of Library Associates recruitment (where you can earn extra money by contributing your thoughts on the Library), a plea to not hog spaces in the Library, advice on wellbeing and effective revision in Term 3, and a deep dive into our initiative to diversify our collections. Finally, hear from our Library Associates about how your ideas have directly made positive impacts on how the Library operates.
Remember to organise your revision, plan your work week, and take time off for yourself. As the sun shines for longer each passing day, make use of the fantastic outdoor spots on campus and in Leamington to relax and refresh. Good luck this exam season.”
Harry Sun, student editor
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Library newsletter takeover!
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Join Library Associates 2022-23! by Olivia Collins
Are you interested in improving the library, making friends, and even a bit of cheeky cash on the side? Read more about joining the Library Associates scheme to get stuck in with projects and plans such as decolonising the library and spotlighting environmental concerns. This scheme is open to any student, from any course, so get your voice heard, and eat free cake!
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Space Hog by Daira Povez Gamboa
The busiest weeks of the year have just arrived. With exams around the corner, it may be more difficult to find a space to study in the Library or Learning Grids. However, have you ever left your stuff out to hog a space? Probably, everyone has done it. It's of course okay to go for a quick coffee break or to buy some food, but these “breaks” can sometimes last hours and hours especially if you get chatting! This exam season, stop to think about other peers, about those looking for a space to study. Officially, you should only be away from your desk for 30 minutes, otherwise you should take your things to let someone else use the space.
The Library's “Space Hog” campaign allows you to to report if you see spaces being hogged by sending a text – look out for the signage and put the number in your phone. We hope this initiative benefits us all, but mainly we hope everyone stays considerate of the importance of study spaces this term.
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Top tips about space (the study kind – not outer):
1. Do you know about the Space Availability tool which helps you find free study space across campus?
2. The Library has introduced some new Flexi-spaces for term 3! Find out more. |
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Wellbeing: Taking breaks by Daira Povez Gamboa
When was the last time you had a complete day of relaxation, with no stress in your mind, no exams, or assignments? It most likely was a while ago, because although we’ve just had a 5-week break, we are never completely free of doing – or thinking – about our university work. Summer term has just started, and exams are coming. We may all be stressed; we may all be worried, but we should never forget to take care of ourselves.
The best advice I can give you is to learn how to balance your work-life. Work hard and organise revision sessions, but also have fun and take breaks. I know what you might be thinking, how can you have breaks if there is “no time”? It is hard but breaks can be as short (or as long) as you need. You can go for a coffee chat, or for lunch with some friends, you can walk around campus, listen to some music, go for runs, exercise or even try yoga; there are plenty of options!
Taking regular breaks is important because it helps us to relax and then return to studying with more energy and motivation!
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Staying in the Zone: Remaining productive during this exam season by Matt Munnelley
During this exam season, don’t let distractions get you down. Get our simple top tips for success that you can follow, such as making achievable plans, effective ways of studying (even turning your phone off can massively boost productivity) and taking regular breaks.
It may surprise you, but simple steps like clearing away that clutter on your desk, asking the right questions when revising, or switching up what you do during your breaks (so it’s not Instagram or Snapchat every time) could improve your productivity by leaps and bounds.
Want more top tips? Click for the full package!
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More Books- Diversifying Your Library! by Olivia Collins
Since 25 April, the Library has been calling for your recommendations of diverse literature which it should have in its collections. The More Books campaign is looking for texts off the syllabus, fiction or nonfiction, to represent our community, spread ideas and broaden the Library’s collection based on what you want to read. Open until 15 May, you can submit your recommendations online or on campus, so look out on social media for updates!
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You said, we did by Matt Munnelley
You Said: That students have been looking for help accessing and finding resources on the library website.
We Did:
√ There are now videos available covering the likes of eBook access, database searching and effect search strategies!
You Said: Noise levels seemed to stray above what particular areas of the library allowed.
We Did:
√ You can now text 07920 531 153, and a member of staff will come and return the noise to the appropriate level, saving you telling your peers off!
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Best wishes,
Student editor: Harry Sun
Student content creators: Olivia Collins, Daira Povez Gamboa, Matt Munnelley.
Library team: Andy Calvert, Samantha Platts, Jade Millar.
Student Communications Team |
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