Library Services Blog

I’m Kate – an Academic Skills Adviser in the Library's Skills Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. In my role, I support students to develop their study skills, boost their confidence and find individualised ways to tackle their assignments that actually work for them.

I know from experience that sometimes studying at university doesn’t go as planned. Stuff happens, life gets in the way, or you find that you weren’t prepared for the demands of your course for any one of a number of reasons. But you’ve decided to keep going and give it another go. Well done! This is a brave step and was likely not an easy decision, and you might be wondering what can help things be different this year.

Over the years, I have successfully worked with many students who, like you, needed to repeat a module or a whole year of study. I want you to know that we can support you to turn things around and be successful this year, like this second-year apprentice dietitian student who gave this feedback:

“Kate’s guidance has helped my writing style develop immensely, and she has taught me invaluable strategies for finding information, working things out, and using tools effectively for assignments. Without her support, I genuinely don't think I would still be on the course today.”

How we can help:

• You can book an appointment with a specialist adviser like me. We can work on a specific assignment or plan how to approach your studies differently, giving you immediate, practical strategies to improve your skills and confidence.
   
• You can attend or watch a webinar on planning and productivity, academic writing, referencing, reflective writing, and critical thinking. After sessions, we share links to other helpful resources.
   
• You can use our self-help materials, which include practical examples, exercises, and tips for developing your academic skills.

Where to start?

If you’re unsure where to start, take our Skills Check. It’s quick, helps you identify your priorities, and gives you a personal action plan for developing your study skills.

My three top tips for being successful in your academic journey:

1. When you find ways of studying and writing that work for you, it’s much easier to be successful.
2. Treat setbacks as learning opportunities. It can take time to understand what’s expected at university.
3. Use the services and support early. Students often tell us they wish they’d accessed the Skills Centre sooner!

Get in touch:

I’m glad you’ve decided to persevere with your studies, and I genuinely believe you can succeed. Sometimes it’s less important to know the answers than to know who can help you find them — that’s what the Library’s Skills Centre is here for.

Our team look forward to supporting you. Use the links in this blog or browse our website. You can also email us at skillscentre@shu.ac.uk.

Best wishes for the year ahead!

Kate Salinsky
Academic Skills Adviser

All new students are warmly invited to the first session of the Assignment Bootcamp: an online programme designed to walk you through the process of planning, writing and successfully submitting your first assignment of the academic year.

Led by expert academic skills advisors in the Library, these sessions demystify the writing process and provide practical tips and strategies for academic writing at Sheffield Hallam. Here are the details:

• Session title: Planning for Success
• Dates and times: Multiple sessions, 7th–9th October.
• How to join: Check your emails for an invitation from the Skills Centre.

What will the session cover?

The Planning for Success session covers strategies for maintaining productivity and motivation, managing multiple deadlines alongside other commitments, and an overview of the key steps needed to get started on any assessed piece of work.

What will I gain from attending?

• A step-by-step guide on how to tackle your first university assignment at a UK university, from getting organised to gathering research and writing a critical argument.
• Insight into what your markers are looking for, and what makes a first-class assignment.
• A chance to ask questions, share your ideas, and connect with other postgraduate students.

What if I can’t make this date/time?

If you can’t make this time, or prefer to study from a video resource, you can sign up to receive a recorded version of the session using our online form.

What are the other sessions in the bootcamp?

Following this session, you’ll also have the option to attend two additional webinars: Structure and Synthesis and Becoming a Critical Writer. These sessions run once per month from October to December, so you can choose from a range of dates and times.

We’ll share more details on this in the first session, or you can get ahead and book a place now on your preferred sessions.

Starting university is exciting, but it also means getting used to new ways of studying. Our Essential Skills for Academic Success induction module is here to help you get off to a confident start.

This short, 30-minute interactive module has tailored paths depending on your level of study, so whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, you’ll find what’s most relevant to you.

You’ll:

• Discover the key academic skills you’ll need at university, and which ones to focus on first.
• Spot your strengths and find any gaps so you can build from what you already do well.
• Get practical tips and strategies you can put into action straight away.

You’ll also find out more about the Library’s Skills Centre – your go-to place for online sessions, skills bootcamps and one-to-one support throughout your time at university.

Take half an hour now and give yourself a head start so you can feel ready to make the most of your uni experience! You can access the module as soon as you have access to your university emails.

Starting university is a significant milestone - and the summer before you enrol is a crucial time!

As an incoming student you have free access to this Skills for Study online module - Getting Ready for Academic Study.

This will help you prepare ahead of your first few weeks at university. 

The module includes:

•  Academic study preparation hints and tips
• Strategies for studying and what to expect from university
• Videos and reflections from students who have made the move
• Downloadable checklists and planning tools

You can access the module here using your personal email address:

https://go.shu.ac.uk/skillready

And then don't forget to register using your university email address when you enrol in September to access the other modules to help develop your study skills!

Are you looking for a way to enhance your productivity and stay motivated? Join our upcoming Body Doubling sessions, part of our Research Project Month for students. These sessions are open to all students and offer a unique opportunity to work alongside peers, providing the perfect environment to stay focused and make meaningful progress on your work. There are sessions at City, Collegiate and online.

Body doubling is a simple yet powerful technique where you work silently alongside others, either in person or virtually. The presence of others working at the same time can give you a motivational lift, help you stay focused, and make it easier to get things done.

During these sessions, you'll set clear goals, engage in two 40 minute blocks of dedicated work time, and participate in a halfway check-in to review your progress. At the end of each session, you'll have the chance to reflect on your progress and how you can use the techniques from the session in your own study time.

Book now and give your productivity a boost!

Get ready to boost your dissertation or research project with a month-long programme of sessions designed to support your research journey. Whether you're just getting started or deep into writing up, there’s something for you this Research Project Month!

• Body Doubling sessions: Body doubling is a simple yet powerful way to boost your productivity by working alongside others. Just knowing that others are working at the same time can give you a motivational lift, help you stay focused, and make it easier to get things done. Choose to attend on campus (City or Collegiate) or online - Book now.

  Here’s how it works:

  • Goal setting: Decide what you want to achieve during the session.
  • Deep focus: Two 40-minute blocks of time dedicated to concentrating on your work.
  • Halfway check-in: A quick progress check.
  • Wrap-up: Reflect on what you've accomplished during the session.
     

• On-campus workshops: Join us for our new interactive workshops on planning and writing up your research. These sessions include group discussion and opportunities to explore real examples of student work, helping you build confidence and clarity in your own project:

  • Planning your Research:

    • City Campus | Thursday 19 June, 3:30-5:00pm | Norfolk 505. Book now.

    • Collegiate Campus | Tuesday 17 June, 12:00-1:30pm | Heart of Campus 0.33. Book now.

  • Writing up your Research:

    • City Campus | Wednesday 25 June, 3:30-5:00pm | Norfolk 505. Book now.

    • Collegiate Campus | Tuesday 1 July, 12:00-1:30pm | Heart of Campus 0.33. Book now.

• Lightning webinars: Short, focused 30-minute sessions packed with practical techniques for key research tasks, from refining your research question to structuring your writing. Perfect for picking up quick tips you can apply straight away. Book now.

  ---

  Check the programme for dates and book your place to make the most of Research Project Month!
  

This Exam Wellbeing Digital Toolkit offers a carefully curated selection of digital resources, each chosen by our current students to support you and your mental wellbeing during exam season. Discover what works best to help you stay calm and focused today! 

Stress Management:

• Headspace – Guided meditations and mindfulness tools to help you reduce stress and improve focus.

• Calm – Sleep stories, breathing exercises and relaxation music to support your wellbeing.

• Togetherall – A safe online community with peer support and mental health resources.

• Sorted – Tools and advice for managing your mental health, designed for students.

Revision and Studying:

• Forest – Stay off your phone and stay focused by growing a virtual tree as you study.

• Quizlet – Create and review digital flashcards to test your knowledge and boost memory.

• Miro – A visual collaboration tool perfect for brainstorming, planning and mapping ideas.

• Padlet – Create online boards to organise notes, resources, and revision plans visually.

Organisation:

• Notion – An all-in-one workspace to track tasks, notes, revision schedules and more.

• Google Calendar – A simple way to plan your time, set reminders and stay on track.

• Readwise – Highlight and revisit useful quotes and notes from your reading.

• Todoist – A to-do list app that helps you manage tasks and build good study habits.

Whether you are in Sheffield or elsewhere, the Library and Skills Centre is here to support you over the Easter break. 

Key points

• The libraries are open 24/7

• If you want to study in the library, you can book your learning space in advance

• Access many resources online wherever you are, including ebooks, using Library Search

• Library Chat is available 24/7

Using the library over the Easter break

• Adsetts and Collegiate libraries are open 24/7 with security staff on duty at all times

• Please remember your SHUcard to enter the library

• Book your learning spaces in advance to guarantee your favourite space

• Library cafés will be closed, but there are vending machines, access to hot water and a microwave, and space to eat your own food

Key points

• The Skills Centre is closed from Thursday 17 April at 5pm to Wednesday 23 April at 9am.

You can access the following resources from the Library's Skills Centre over the extended Easter weekend:

• Independent study resources, including Skill Guides and e-modules on a wide range of academic skills topics.

• Watch recordings of all sessions, including recent 'Research Project Month' webinars for dissertations.

• Get instant feedback on your citations, similarity and grammar with the Turnitin Draft Coach add-in for Microsoft Word.

How to get help and support

• 24/7 support via chat for library help

• 24/7 Library IT support - 0114 225 2222

Ganiyat Taiwo, Student Skills Partner and MSc Food and Nutrition Sciences

Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and community. However, balancing fasting with assignments, part-time work, and exams can be challenging. Whether you need help managing your energy levels, staying productive, or keeping up with deadlines, these resources can support you throughout the month. 

1. Stay productive with study apps

⏳ Pomodoro Timer Apps for Focus

• Forest – Helps you stay off your phone by growing a virtual tree.
• Focus To-Do – Combines Pomodoro sessions with a task manager.
   

📝 Note-Taking & Organisation

• Notion – A great tool for organising study materials.
• Evernote – Easily save notes and research materials.

2. Library and Skills Centre Resources
 

🔎 Library E-Books and Research Tools

• Use Library Search to find journal articles and academic books.
• Visit the Skills Centre for dissertation help and academic support.
   

🖥️ Study Spaces and Referencing Support

• Reserve a quiet study room for focused revision.
• Check out online referencing guides to perfect your citations.

3. Prioritising Nutrition and Wellbeing
 

🥗 Eating Well for Suhoor and Iftar

• MyFitnessPal – Helps track balanced meals.
• WaterMinder – Stay hydrated during non-fasting hours.
   

💤 Managing Sleep & Energy

• Sleep Cycle – A smart alarm that wakes you at the right time.
• Calm – Meditation and relaxation before Suhoor and Iftar.

4. Staying Connected: Faith and Community Support
 

📖 Prayer and Reflection

• Muslim Pro – Prayer times and Quran recitation.
• Quran Companion – Helps with daily Quran memorisation.
   

🌙 Join Ramadan Events at SHU

• SHU Multifaith Chaplaincy – Quiet spaces for prayer and reflection.
• Community Iftar Events – Join students for on-campus Iftars.

Are you ready to make the most of your university experience? Want to feel more confident navigating platforms like Blackboard, Turnitin, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams? Or maybe you're curious about the digital tools that can enhance your learning? If so, our Digital Bootcamp is just for you!

What is the Digital Bootcamp?

The Digital Bootcamp is a series of 60-minute online sessions designed to help you master essential digital tools and boost your confidence. In these sessions, you'll learn how to effectively use platforms like Blackboard, Turnitin, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams—so you can get the most out of your course. We'll also share links to year-round resources and self-assessment tools to keep your digital skills sharp, answer your questions, and connect you with university support services.

When is the Digital Bootcamp?

Our first session, Digital Essentials for University, will be held three times in January. All sessions will take place online via Microsoft Team. Each session is the same, so you only need to attend once:

• Thursday 16 January, 12-1pm - Book now
• Tuesday 21 January, 5-6pm - Book now

Current students can use the links above to book a place. If you're a new student this January and haven't received your student login details yet, please sign up using our online form.

Why should you attend?

Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Essential Skills: When and how to use different university platforms and software to get the most out of your course.
• Confidence: Leave feeling empowered to explore and use digital tools independently.
• Support: Know exactly where to go and who to contact for help when you need it.
• Long-term growth: Gain access to online resources and self-assessment tools to continue developing your digital skills after the session.