Welcome to University Library and Collections: Top tips

1. Come and see us

We know it can be daunting when you visit somewhere for the very first time (and we know Bill Bryson Library is a pretty big building!) so before you need to visit for your studies, why not just pop in and take a look around? Familiarise yourself with the building, (you can follow our new self-guided tour of the building at any time) find where the books for your subject are kept, grab a drink from Small Island Coffee and say hello to our team – it'll make it much easier when you do need to visit and hopefully make you feel more at ease 😊 Just remember to bring your Campus Card with you so you can get in.

2. Save those webpages 

There’s so much information to take in and a lot to think about at the start of term, so help your future self and create the following bookmarks:  

• Getting Started guide - full of information and guidance to help you at any time during your studies (and our Quick Guide including all the essentials so you can get started whenever you're ready)
• Study spaces guide - includes information on all our study space sites, and our Space Booking system guide if you want to pre-book a study space 
• Links to your reading lists - view all the items on the reading lists for your course modules. These also available through Learn Ultra 
• Our library catalogue, Discover - you can search all items available to you for your studies, leisure reading, research or for your general interest 
• Your subject guides - created by your Faculty Librarian with links to useful resources specifically for your subject and area of study 
• Develop Your Skills pages - you'll find a variety of online tutorials and workshops to help you to get started and to enhance your skills
• The University's Academic Skills Centre provides support with your academic skills or academic English language.
   

3. Check our collections before you buy!

Before you buy every item on your reading list, take a look at the books we have available in our collections and borrow them instead. Our helpful videos on using Discover will help you to get started.
 

4. Attend our support sessions

As part of our ongoing welcome support, we’ve developed various sessions that will be running throughout Michaelmas and Epiphany terms to help you familiarise yourself with the Library, find out more about our services and develop your academic skills. We have a mix of drop-in sessions and some that you'll need to book in advance - visit our guide for more information.
 

5. Plan and manage your study time 

Planning your study time is really beneficial and can help you manage your studies and ensure you still have time for yourself. Our Study Skills guide provides more information on preparation and organisation in your studies. 

You can also plan ahead and use our bookable study spaces at Bill Bryson Library to guarantee your space for a specific amount of time.  
 

6. Look after yourself and your wellbeing

We know just how important it is to help support your wellbeing. Our Wellbeing guide gives you access to resources and information to support you, wherever you are. We also run various wellbeing activities and events throughout the year in Bill Bryson Library and some of our other study spaces.

The University's new Student Support Hub provides information on all support and wellbeing services available to you for any wellbeing concerns, issues affecting your studies or mental wellbeing support.
 

7. Keep up to date 

Check our website regularly for news and updates on our services and opening times. You can also follow us on social media for updates and to see a bit more of our mascot, Billy Bee...