Student Toolkit

By Library Student Partner, Laura van Diesen

Many students say that when they try to prioritize their life and wellbeing, it feels like work is being sacrificed, and vice-versa. This is the challenge of a work/life balance: it is a seesaw that you continuously have to adjust. This continuous adjustment is key to its maintenance, however. It is challenging to reach a good balance without checking in with yourself and seeing what is and isn’t working. Here are some of Laura’s tips on making sure you have time for both leisure and study at university.

By Library Student Partner, Laura van Diesen

Studying can be a daunting task for all students, but those of us who are neurodivergent or have Specific Learning Differences often face more barriers to studying both independently and in the Library. Here is a list of tips from Laura to make studying adaptable and a little less overwhelming. The decision tree can be used as a starting point for studying in the Library, as it offers a visual guide to our different study spaces tailored towards neurodiverse students.

By Library Student Partner, Shuangting Chen

Moving to a new country to study is not just about switching classrooms; it’s about switching entire systems of thinking, speaking, learning, and sometimes, even eating dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Fortunately, you’re not alone and Shuangting is here to share their tips on how to handle the transition.

By Library Student Partner, Sophie Morris

The picking of essay questions and topics may seem trivial in the grand scheme of researching and writing essays, however, unclear questions or only partially relevant topics may hinder the quality of an essay no matter how well researched and edited. This is some of Sophie’s advice on narrowing down questions and selecting topics from someone that has an eclectic taste in modules and subjects.

By Library Student Partner, Sophie Morris

Maintaining productivity is easier said than done. We all have our productive and unproductive days. But how do we survive University with all of it’s deadlines when we’re just not in the right mood to get anything done? Here are some of Sophie’s hacks to help weather the unproductive days.

By Library Student Partner, Sophie Morris

Accessible study rooms are a brilliant feature of the Library and a personal lifesaver in maintaining productivity and relaxation in the sometimes-hectic university environment. Within this toolkit guide Sophie will share some of her favourite features and some helpful ways to use the rooms.

By Library Student Partner, Shuangting Chen

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either thinking about taking on a part-time job during university or you’ve already jumped in and are now juggling timetables and timesheets. First of all – go you. Managing both is no small feat, and from one student to another, I can tell you: it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset, a bit of planning, and a good sense of humour. Shuangting is here to share her tips on how to manage it all.

By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu

University life is, and yet isn’t, just about study. It’s also about societies, socials, SU events, invited lectures that sound just interesting enough to say yes to, and a dozen other “this might look good on my CV” commitments. It’s exciting. It’s chaotic. And, if you’re not careful, it can pile up fast. Before it all becomes too much, Juanmo Xu is here with some tips on how to avoid burnout.

By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu

Let’s face it - summer is strange as a postgrad. The undergrads have packed up and left, campus events have slowed down, and the pace around you might feel more like a Sunday afternoon than a working week. But for postgraduates, it’s not a break. Whether you’re a PGT wrestling with your dissertation or a PGR continuing your research (unless you’re on well-earned annual leave!), the work doesn’t stop - though the structure might. Here’s Juanmo Xu’s tips for keeping up the momentum in the summer.

By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu

Summer at Warwick can surprise you. One week it’s pouring. The next, you’re melting over your laptop, trying to revise or write while your brain slowly turns to soup. Whether you’re based on campus or studying back home, here are some tips Juanmo has found helpful for actually getting work done in hot weather—without wilting in the process.