Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, what support is available for study skills and academic writing…
POINT ONE: MEET WITH YOUR PAT…
Most students find that they need some academic guidance during their studies and your Personal Academic Tutor can help you to support your academic development.
Your PAT is assigned at the beginning of your course, and you’ll meet within the first couple of weeks, usually as part of induction. You can expect a minimum of four scheduled meetings during your first year, either as a tutorial group or on an individual basis.
Your PAT will also write your University reference, so it is also useful to discuss your plans with them and keep in touch throughout your studies. Why not contact them and arrange to have a chat? If you need help identifying your PAT, get in touch with us here at firstpoint.
POINT TWO: MAKE THE MOST OF THE LIBRARY…
As a student you automatically have access to The Hive which is a fantastic space for you to study and access resources or just spend some free time! Specialist help is available from the Academic Liaison Librarians as they can help you use the library and information resources more effectively. They can offer guidance in specific subject areas and provide advice on how to get to grips with referencing.
You can email askalibrarian@worc.ac.uk and make an appointment, use the Live Chat facility, join a Discovery Sessions workshop or find further information on the Library Services webpage.
POINT THREE: READ UP ON STUDY SKILLS…
There’s lots of support and guidance available to help you develop the essential skills you will need to become a reflective, resilient and curious learner. Need some help with referencing, unsure how best to take notes, want to improve your skills for independent learning and time management? Check out the Study Skills webpages for lots of useful information, resources and contacts to help ensure you maximise your time, skills and knowledge whilst studying at the university.
Why not take the Study Skills Audit to check your existing skills and to get personalised recommendations for support you might find helpful moving forward?
POINT FOUR: ACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS…
Are you struggling with an essay or dissertation? Grappling with grammar and punctuation? Finding academic writing a challenge? The University has a team of Writers in Residence, who can meet with you and offer help with all aspects of academic writing.
POINT FIVE: IMPROVE YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS…
Communicating your ideas effectively is important at University! If you want advice on how to improve your use of academic English in an essay or presentation, the university’s Centre for Academic English and Skills offers email, individual and group (in person, Zoom or Teams) tutorials that are open to all registered students; it doesn’t matter if English is your first language or not. Book your tutorial online here.
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