Sensory Refresh

Are you aware of what environment you study in best? If not, why not come along to Sensory Refresh and learn what works well for you!

Sensory Refresh events are interactive sessions with activities to help you explore your sensory profile. These are events you can drop in and out of, and free refreshments are available throughout.

You can also explore below to find out more about what our sessions are like, and what resources the Library has to support accessible, independent study.

Term 3 Session

Week 4

Wed, 14 May
2.30pm - 4.30pm
Seminar & Training Room, Main Library, Floor 2

This drop in and drop out event means that you can pop in at any time to explore your profile or you can sit down in the Training Room which will have dimmed lighting and lo-fi playing and get on with some work.

What to expect at Sensory Refresh

Our Senses

Explore Your Sense of Sound

Some of us enjoy sound whilst studying and are happy to work in coffee shops or trains, whilst others need complete silence to be able to focus.

During Sensory Refresh you can try some noise cancelling headphones to see if silence works for you or not.

Check out the information below to explore sound outside of the event!

Interactive Quizzes

Complete our two sound quizzes below to explore your sense of sound.

Library Sound Quiz

Wacky Sound Quiz

Soundscapes

You can also explore (customisable) extended soundscapes. Soundscapes can be perfect for winding down or for creating a calming study environment.

Explore Your Sense of Sight

Have you contemplated how light effects your study? The colour of lighting and dynamic lighting which changes with your tasks can support learning, and reduce stress and tension.

During Sensory Refresh you can try working in a dimmer environment to see if this is effective for you.

Check out the information below to explore sight outside of the event!

Lights

Watch the below video to see examples of lights that have been used in previous events.

Coloured Overlays

Have you tried coloured overlays to see if they help you to read better? We always have some at Sensory Refresh and you can also borrow some for the Helpdesk in the Library!

An image of a book with a yellow overlay on top of some of the words to see if using a coloured overlay is helpful for reading.

Explore Your Sense of Touch

We strongly rely on our sense of touch and position. Different textures can offer a variety of responses.

During Sensory Refresh we have an interactive touch quiz where you need to guess what is in each glove. We also have a selection of sensory toys for you to trial too.

Check out the information below to explore touch outside of the event!

Everyday Items

Every day we touch items and get a sensory feedback from them. Often this is subconscious and we don't register it.

The next time you choose which clothes to wear for the day, touch the material first and think about whether it's a material you find comforting.

This can also be applied to study tools such as pens and pencils too. There are so many different kinds out there, do you have a specific pen you like best?

Explore Your Sense of Smell

The sense of smell is closely linked with memory, probably more so than any of our other senses.

During Sensory Refresh we have an interactive smell quiz where you have to guess what the smell is. We also have a selection of different scents for you to trial too.

Check out the information below to explore smell outside of the event!

Common Scents

There are a lot of things that we smell daily but did you know that some smells can help more than others?

Lavender is sweet, floral, and herbal with balsamic undertones. It can be used to alleviate stress and anxiety. It can also help with insomnia.

Chamomile is sweet, applelike, and herbaceous. Its smell was thought to relieve depression and to encourage relaxation.

Lemon has a distinctively clean, sharp, and citrussy smell. It has mood-lifting effects. It can also increase concentration and boost alertness.

Mint has a powerful, fresh, and cool fragrance. It can help to reduce stress and improve concentration.

Our Events

We run a variety of different Library Events, all of which are designed to support you through your time at University.

What's On

Thu 10 Apr '25

10:30am - 12pm:

Research Refresh

Mon 14 Apr '25

2:30pm - 3:30pm:

Student Toolkit

Wed 16 Apr '25

2pm - 4pm:

Revise Here Revise Now

Thu 17 Apr '25

10:30am - 12pm:

Research Refresh

Tue 22 Apr '25

3pm - 4pm:

PG Tips

Wed 23 Apr '25

2pm - 4pm:

Revise Here Revise Now

Thu 24 Apr '25

10:30am - 12pm:

Research Refresh

Other Library Support

Find out about more resources available by by visiting the Accessibility Webpage

Accessible and Sensory Study Rooms

If you are registered with the University Disability Services, you can book the Library's Sensory and Accessible Study RoomsLink opens in a new window. These rooms are perfect for curating a space which suits your unique sensory needs. For instance the rooms have various lighting options (like bubble tubes, LED strip lighting and galaxy star projectors) and seating options available (like rocking chairs, soft seating, wobble cushions and yoga mats).

Loanable Equipment

You can loan equipment from the Library Helpdesk to help aid your studies.

Equipment available includes:

Noise cancelling headphones
Ear plugs
Coloured overlays
Coloured paper for printing
And much more...!

Apps and Software

Tab content

Apps and Software

Many apps and software can aid and improve productivity. Below is a list of either University licenced or free tools:

Feedback

We'd love to hear your thoughts on all of our events. If you've attended an event recently and would like to let us know what you liked or disliked about it, please do fill out this formLink opens in a new window or get in touch via email, library@warwick.ac.uk.