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Planning an Effective Study Session: Part 2
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Planning an Effective Study Session: Part 2

Studying isn’t just about the hours you put in; it’s about how you use that time. So, whether you're a student striving for academic excellence or someone looking to enhance their learning skills, you've come to the right place.

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Planning an Effective Study Session: Part I
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Planning an Effective Study Session: Part I

As a student, you probably hear people around you talking about studying all the time. Very few people talk about what studying should look like or what you should think about when deciding what your study sessions should look like. This is the first in a two-part series with tips to help you prepare and plan an effective study session – for any topic you plan to study.

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Demystifying Essay Marking
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Demystifying Essay Marking

You’ve spent hours in the library and on your computer pouring your thoughts into your essay and managed to get it in just before the deadline, but what happens next? Your essay is whisked away to some unseen place where it gets judged and you find out what mark you received a few weeks later. Have you ever wondered what goes on between when you submit your essay and when you get your results?

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How to Contest Your Grade!
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

How to Contest Your Grade!

Studying at university comes with a lot of new experiences, including your course convenors expectations of you and how you will be assessed. Amongst all this, it can be especially jarring to get back an exam or an essay with a grade that just feels.. wrong.

If this has happened to you, or if it happens to you in the future, there’s a silver lining: in UK universities, you are allowed to question and contest your grades. Contesting your grade is your right as a student and it does not make you difficult, dramatic, or ungrateful. It is a system that exists to ensure assessment is fair.

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Making Time Work for You: Methods
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Making Time Work for You: Methods

This is part two of a two part series on time management! We recommend that you take a look at the first part of this series, posted last week, to understand why time management is so important for your well being! 

We’ve found a few methods of time management that might prove useful, both in studying and general organisation!

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Making Time Work for You
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Making Time Work for You

Time can feel out of control when you first arrive at university. Trying to juggle lectures, tutorials, study-time and a social life, sometimes on top of a part-time job or family duties can be incredibly overwhelming. 

University is often the first time that people are fully responsible for managing their own time so it can be easy to overload your days, especially when deadlines start looming on the horizon.

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What are ‘Office Hours’? A Guide for University Students
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

What are ‘Office Hours’? A Guide for University Students

Many students hesitate to attend office hours because they assume they’re only for those who are struggling or that they are set times for lecturers to get work done in their office. However, office hours can benefit all students, regardless of their academic performance.

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Considering Graduate School?    Consider This!
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Considering Graduate School? Consider This!

Deciding whether to pursue a postgraduate degree is a major choice for university students in the UK. While further education can open doors to specialised knowledge, career advancement, and personal growth, it also comes with financial costs, time commitments, and potential risks. This blog post will explore key factors to consider when deciding if graduate school is the right path for you.

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Unlocking the Full Potential of Your University Library: A Guide for Students
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your University Library: A Guide for Students

For many students, the university library is a cornerstone of academic life. However, its value extends far beyond a quiet place to study. Packed with resources, services, and opportunities, university libraries are hubs of learning, innovation, and community. Here's how to make the most of what your university library has to offer.

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Good Decision-Making Skills for University
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

Good Decision-Making Skills for University

University is a time of discovery, growth, and change. For many students, it’s their first experience living independently, managing their own schedules, and making choices that can shape their future with little structural oversight. These decisions can feel overwhelming, whether you’re selecting courses, deciding how to spend your free time, or contemplating your career path. Making thoughtful, informed decisions is not just important – it’s essential for thriving during these formative years.

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How to: Seek Feedback
Carolyn McNamara Carolyn McNamara

How to: Seek Feedback

Feedback is a key aspect of student learning and development; it both reflects and informs learning, if done right. It helps to clarify expectations, assess learning and encourage reflection.

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