Are you a post-graduate struggling with a thesis chapter? Or a Second year looking for a way to help manage stress? Perhaps you can try a Study Happy session run by the Library’s Community Engagement team. Below, we have a little overview of some of the weekly sessions held in the Library.

Study Happy Switch On & Work

Mondays 3pm-5pm, in the Seminar Room, Library Floor 2

These group study sessions are open to all students needing extra motivation. Using the Pomodoro technique, you will efficiently set a goal for the session and do an hour and a half’s study. Your fellow students have been inspired:

“really great idea!”

“Good idea and good help provided. Wish it was everyday”

“This is one of the best things happening on campus (not a joke).”

“It's very helpful to those who cannot concentrate by themselves, thanks.”

Sign up is not necessary, just bring along the work you want to complete!

(PG only) Write Here, Write Now

Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30am-12:30pm on Microsoft Teams

These sessions, specifically for PG Students, use the Pomodoro technique with a group of students to get work done effectively. Bring along a specific piece of work/dissertation to write, articles to write, papers to mark, and alternate between 30 minutes of focused work and 10 minute breaks. By separating work time and free time, attendees have felt more able to focus on their work and be more productive, while some also appreciated the opportunity to work alongside others. If you’re easily distracted and struggling to get into a regular routine, give it a try!

“The environment really helps my concentration, so I get to be really productive.”

“Having others work around me is very motivating…”

No sign-up necessary, more details.

Study Happy Mindfulness

Wednesdays 1pm to 2pm, in the Seminar Room, Library Floor 2

These sessions contain a mixture of tutor-led mindful practices and peer discussions. Regular mindfulness exercises can help manage daily stress and impacts areas of the brain relating to memory retrieval, decision making, and outward attention. Your peers say:

'It was a really pleasant experience'

“Amazing... Love discussing and very very helpful”

“It's very relaxing. I like the environment.”

“Excellent experience to calm self”

You do not need to bring or wear anything in particular (asides a mask if you aren’t exempt), and there is no sign up- just come along!

By Matt Munnelly