Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, although teaching has finished for the majority of courses this academic year, that doesn’t mean that support is no longer available.
Whether you’re home for the summer, or are studying on or off campus with one of our Spring starter cohorts, there is still plenty of advice and guidance here for you…
POINT ONE: WE’RE HERE ALL SUMMER…
firstpoint continues to be open throughout the summer. Please check our webpages for our opening hours and contact details! Come and speak to us if you have any questions or need some advice and guidance – if you’re not sure, come and ask!
We can help you arrange an appointment with relevant support teams from Student Services if needed, who are also all available throughout the summer. You can find out more about who can help by looking at our webpages.
Even though the regular schedule has paused for the summer break, our popular Fancy a Cuppa event will instead be hosted every day during the summer reassessment week by our friendly Student Wellbeing Service and Student Ambassadors. If you’re completing any reassessments, or are still on campus during this time, join us for a hot drink every day from the 6th-10th July from 1-2pm, in firstpoint, on the St Johns campus.
Your Student’s Union Support and Advice team will also be available to offer advice and guidance on a range of academic or welfare issues to make the most out of your degree. You can arrange an appointment by completing the short, confidential online Advice Enquiry Form which will then be sent straight to the Academic and Welfare Advisors.
POINT TWO: NEEDING MONEY ADVICE?…
The Money Advisers also continue to run their service throughout the summer. Now might be a good opportunity to get some extra guidance about budgeting or asking for help with reapplying for Student Finance. If your circumstances have changed, it may also be a chance for some up-to-date advice and guidance on managing your income.
If you’re unexpectedly having to re-take a module, you may wish to speak with an adviser about your funding situation or you can take a look at the information on the Money Advice webpages. Just contact firstpoint to book an appointment!
POINT THREE: ACCESS ACADEMIC WRITING SUPPORT…
If you want advice on how to improve your use of academic English in your essays or presentations, you can meet with a tutor from the Centre for Academic English and Skills.
In a tutorial the team can support your writing by advising on:
- understanding assignment questions
- understanding tutor feedback and comments
- planning and structuring written assignments
- techniques for proofreading
- referencing and citation
- grammar and vocabulary (useful for students whose first language is not English)
Take a look on the Centre for Academic English and Skills website for details on how to book a session, or contact the team on english@worc.ac.uk
POINT FOUR: THERE’S ALSO MODULE AND COURSE ADVICE…
The Programme Advisers help with the selection of modules, changing subjects or pathways. If you are thinking about changing your course, altering your module choices, or maybe swapping from full-time to part-time study, arrange to speak with a Programme Adviser to make sure you have all the information you need.
They are available by telephone on 01905 542727 and the telephone opening hours can be found on the Programme Advisers webpages (please check this webpage for any planned closures over the summer).
You’ll also find a Module Change Request or a Course Change Request on your SOLE page, under the ‘Course Information’ tab (deadlines apply).
POINT FIVE: FINALLY, DON’T FORGET ABOUT LIBRARY SERVICES AND THE HIVE…
Don’t forget to access the award-winning Hive, a joint university and public library. The Hive hosts a regular range of events, lectures, exhibitions and performances. You’ll also find study areas with access to printers, wifi and laptop points. The Hive is open 7 days a week, 8.30-22.00. The Ask a Librarian service continues over the summer via online form, email or appointment, or use the Live Chat service.
Please return any library books you no longer need as soon as possible. This is especially important if you’re leaving the University. You can return items to The Hive or any Worcestershire public library.
If you keep books over the summer be sure to renew them. You can renew up to 9 times. You’ll need to return items if they are requested by another library customer. This will still apply if you have moved away from Worcester over the summer. Use the Renew Items button via your library account or in person at The Hive or any Worcestershire public library.
And don’t forget about The Hive Student Textbook Rescue, where you can donate your old or unused textbooks throughout the summer to raise money for the student Access to Learning (Hardship) Fund, making a real difference for other students.
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