Academic Supports

Examinations

Students should check Moodle for the details of their exams

More information on examinations can be found here. 

Library

The most up-to-date information on Library resources can be found on the library's website.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have. Often a conversation can be more helpful than an email in working out how best to solve a problem or to understand how we can best guide you. We can easily arrange a time with you to have an online Zoom meeting to go through anything you might need.

A note on returning books/overdue loans: As long as the current situation lasts, we are not looking for any books to be returned. We will keep you updated when there are any developments, but rest assured this is not a concern at this time.

Contact Us

Email

The library team are closely monitoring our emails. All students can contact us by email at [email protected]. This inbox is monitored from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 6pm on Saturday.

Online drop-in Zoom room 

We are operating regular online drop-in sessions Monday to Friday. Please feel free to join with any questions or concerns you may have. You can access the link to our Library Zoom room at the top of the Library Moodle page.

We are also very happy to arrange a specific time that will suit you personally to discuss any areas of concern you may have. This might include accessing eBooks, online resources and articles, guidance in referencing or academic writing or any other question you may have in relation to your research or studies that you feel the Library may be able to help you with.

Twitter 

Keep up to date with news and new supports as they become available with our Library twitter.

Stress Management

Stress management comprises the numerous ways in which we can help alleviate stresses in our lives, from everyday issues to high-stress situations we all face.

Studies show having a healthy amount of stress is ok - as long as we know how to navigate it. A healthy, well-managed stress level can help boost your immune system, deal with stressful situations and improve emotional health.

Firstly you need to identify what triggers your stress levels. What is that causes you the most stress? Learning to identify our stresses and managing it has various benefits, from lowering anxiety, improving concentrations and even lowering of pain.

Symptoms of Stress

There are many symptoms of stress - mental, behavioural and even physical.

Symptoms you may experience:

  • Headaches
  • Aches/pains
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Sweating
  • Eating more/less than usual
  • Sleeping more/less than usual
  • Shutting yourself off from others
  • Irritability/moody
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Procrastinating
  • Poor memory
  • Feeling physically ill

Any one of these could indicate that you are not managing stress well and may be feeling very overwhelmed. This is normal around high stress situations, but putting coping skills in place will help you navigate these times as best as possible.

Top Tips for Stress Management

Know what’s in your control and what is not. There are stressful times that may be out of your control, but what you can control is how you approach them.

  • Keep notes or a journal: Writing it all down will help you see what’s ahead of you.
  • Make a list and tackle one thing at a time: Prioritising and setting out in your mind how and when you are going to tackle each task can help clear your mind and settle anxiety.
  • Have a routine: Routine is vitally important to keep stress levels at bay, it allows flow and productivity.
  • Sleep: This cannot be stressed enough. Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night and avoid technology an hour before bedtime. Enough sleep helps reduce stress hormones in the body and improve mood and concentration.
  • Eat well: You get out what you put in! If you eat crappy food you will feel crappy. Of course if you want a treat have it, but ensure you are getting a wide variety of foods to give you the best vitamins and minerals you need.
  • Exercise: If you are at your desk for 8 hours a day, you are bound to be overwhelmed. Stand up for a few minutes every so often, and get some exercise in - a walk, gym class, yoga, whatever you are interested in.
  • Self-care: You must care for yourself. The best person to look after you is you! Take an hour to read that book, watch a film, take a bath, draw, sit in the garden or meditate.
  • Focus on the good: It’s easy to focus on what is negative and bothering us. Make a list of a note of what is good in your life. Your favourite pet, pair of pyjamas, someone in your life – whatever it is that brings you joy.
  • Talk it out: Sometimes all we need is to get what is bothering us off our chest. Venting and talking things is out can be what we really need in so we can see things more clearly.

So grab a cup of tea and a friend and talk it through; it could do the world of good!

If you still feel overwhelmed and despite your best efforts, still not coping there are so many places to get some support. No problem is too big or too small, and people are always there to help you. You can find a list of supports here.