Author: Student Communications

How to make the most of group work

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Group work. We get it. There’s plenty of reasons why you might dread the thought of having to work together with others from your course. Maybe you’re shy or nervous speaking to those you don’t really know. Maybe you feel like you end up taking on most of the work while others slack off. Maybe you just prefer solo study. 

There are sooo many reasons why group projects are a really positive thing and can help you develop the skills you need to make the most of your degree and get ready for your future career. 

To help you work out how to make the most of your group work, pick the character which best represents you. 

The Leader 

You’re a natural leader and worry that if someone doesn’t take charge then you all end up going round in circles and nothing gets done. Although this is great, and it’s certainly true that strong leadership can make sure you all stay on task, make sure that you’re not being domineering and overbearing. Remember that those who are quiet still have important things to contribute, so make sure everyone has a voice. The whole point of a group project is to work together as a team. 

The Peacemaker 

You hate tension and in a group with a lot of different personalities you feel like you end up spending all your time smoothing things over and making sure everyone is happy. While this is commendable, don’t neglect yourself and your own priorities. Remember to focus on your own work. Sometimes, others need to learn how to get along and face the consequences if they can’t find a way to compromise.  

The Workhorse 

You keep your head down and just plough on with all the work. You’re a key asset for the team, but make sure you’re not taking on more than your fair share of the work. Others need to chip in and do their bit, so take the time to make sure everyone else is pulling their weight. 

The Nervous One 

Meeting up with people you don’t know is your worst nightmare and you end up sitting there waiting for an opportunity to make your excuses and leave. This is much more common than you realise, so don’t think you are the only one feeling this way. Although it feels hard, try to use this as an opportunity to boost your confidence and show everyone how much you can contribute. Your voice is important, so use it. And if you need support with your confidence then make the most of the services UWE has on offer. 

The Ghost 

Ok – this is the one that it’s really hard to defend. The one who never responds to emails, never turns up for study sessions, doesn’t contribute any work, but then gets the same mark as everyone else. If this is you then we’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and say maybe you’ve got other commitments or underlying anxiety which is causing you to behave this way. But, it’s still not acceptable and you need to find a way of getting involved or you risk your module leader finding out about your vanishing act and failing the project. 

Finally, if you’re looking for more support on group work then check out this fantastic resource from our Library Service.

Pick your study zone at Frenchay Library

Author Student Communications | Posted on

At Frenchay Library, we are lucky enough to have four floors of study spaces, specially designed for whatever work you need to carry out at uni. Before you start your library session, make sure you’re choosing the right study zone. You don’t want to be that person having an obnoxiously loud phone conversation or chomping their lunch so loud that other people can’t concentrate. Be considerate of other students working and pick your spot accordingly. Here’s a refresher of the specific zones and services available to you at Frenchay Library:

Level 2 is the help zone

This is where you access our other floors – it can get busy and noisy here! Use this floor to visit us at the helpdesk, visit the Careers Lounge, use the self-service machines for borrowing and returning items or use the quick print PCs. There’s also accessible study spaces and some seating areas for you to relax in.

Level 3 is quiet study

For low level conversations and quiet background noise, head to Level 3. You can also access the IT Helpdesk, use a laptop on loan or visit the assistive technology room. The Education Resource Collection is here too.

Level 4 is group study

Get together for group study, plan work, practice presentations, take a call, work independently, have a chat – all at normal volume.
Level 4 is home to bookable study rooms, the Print Hub, workshop rooms and the Wellbeing Space. You can also use the Library Lounge to relax or eat hot food – you can bring your own, use the hot water, purchase hot drinks, use the vending machines or use the microwave.

Level 5 is silent study

Level 5 is for independent, silent work. No talking, audible music or phone calls on this floor. If you need to chat about work, take a call or catch up, move to another area to be respectful of others. Level 5 is also home to our Law Library, Law Search Area and the Research zone for academic staff and postgraduate researchers. We have silent study pods with individual desk lamps here too!

Thinking about the type of study space you prefer can be a great way to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed in our library spaces and aren’t disrupting other students.


For more information on our Library services, both on Frenchay, Bower and Glenside campuses, check out our website.
Have a question? You can Ask a Librarian here.

Tips for managing your studies over the holidays

Author Student Communications | Posted on

If you’re heading home from the holidays, then you might need to build a new routine to allow you to take the time to rest and recharge, while still keeping on top of any studying you need to do.

Finding that balance can be really tricky, especially if you are someone who finds it difficult to self-motivate and make the most of scheduled study time so you can properly switch off and relax once the work is done.

Our Student Experience Coaches have been working with lots of student during this first semester, helping them unlock the skills they need to overcome any obstacles and manage their wellbeing.

Here they share some tools, tips and techniques that you might be able to use over the holidays to ensure you return in January feeling ready for the new term.

  • Action plan – creating an action plan can help you feel more control of your time and avoid overwhelm. If you break down tasks and create smaller deadlines, it could help make things feel more manageable.
  • Lists – writing things down can provide structure. Some people enjoy the “feel good” factor of ticking off tasks and reflecting on what they’ve achieved.
  • Rewards – building rewards into your timetable/planner can give you something to look forward too and provide a break from studying and university life.
  • Journaling – expressing your thoughts and feelings in one space is a helpful way to explore ideas.
  • Exercise – doing something that requires movement, even something simple like going out for a walk and being out in nature, can be a great way to manage your wellbeing.
  • Rest – planning in time to rest and recharge is important to enable you to return to studies fully focused and energetic.
  • Self-care – remember to prioritise your self-care. Identify activities that you find genuinely nourishing and relaxing.
  • Support – find the right support to help you at university, with your student life and studies. This could be specialist support, or just turning to your lecturer or your friends and family.
  • Be kind to yourself – Finally, remember to be nice to yourself. Acknowledge everything you’ve got going on and the progress you are making to manage your workload and wellbeing while at university.

The service will be closed from 24th December – 2nd January and drop-ins will not be available from 23rd December – 3rd January.

But if you would like to set some goals to manage your wellbeing and stress whilst at university, please get in touch with our Student Experience Coaches after the winter break to book an appointment. They can help you break down challenging tasks and create an action plan so you can stay on track.

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Triss, Student Careers Coach

My role as a Student Career Coach marks my first work experience as an international student in the UK—a position I would not have secured without a clear understanding of my strengths and how they aligned with the role.

For this month’s Careers and Enterprise tip, I want to share how reflecting on your strengths can be a game-changer for your career journey!

Many people find it easier to recognise weaknesses than determining strengths. While improving on weaknesses is valuable, recognizing your strengths is equally essential. It helps define your career direction, pinpoint roles that suit you, and advocate your values to potential employers.

Personally, I found the career assessments in the Career Toolkit incredibly helpful in identifying what I excel at. Through those assessments, I discovered that effective communication, teamworking and adaptability were key strengths of mine. These skills were shaped by experiences like delivering class presentations, taking on leadership roles and studying abroad in the UK—a journey that has constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Understanding these strengths helped me develop greater self-awareness and allowed me to highlight them confidently in my application for the Student Career Coach role. This clarity not only boosted my confidence but also demonstrated my suitability for the position to my employers.

Recognizing your strengths has practical benefits to your career journey and a clear understanding of what you’re good at, can do the following:

  • Enhance your CV and cover letter: showcase specific skills with evidence from your experiences.
  • Prepare you for interviews: see your strengths to craft impactful answers to common questions.
  • Strengthen networking conversations: present yourself with confidence and highlight your values to potential collaborators or employers.

Knowing your strengths isn’t just about self-awareness—it’s about turning them into opportunities.

If you’re unsure where to start, tools like the Career Planner, Personality Insight, Strengths, etc. in the Career Toolkit are excellent for self-assessment.

Take time to reflect, gather feedback, and consider how your unique strengths can open doors in your career journey.

Artificial Intelligence: check your reality  

Author Student Communications | Posted on

What comes to mind when you hear AI?  

Chatbots, essay prompts or is it a “no-go” topic in your mind? 

We’re talking about it so you’re aware of the areas of life where it’s impacting you and so you can make good decisions as you engage with it.  

First up, what is AI? 

Merriam-Webster defines AI as “the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior”.  

The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the use or study of computer systems or machines that have some of the qualities that the human brain has, such as the ability to interpret and produce language in a way that seems human, recognize or create images, solve problems, and learn from data supplied to them.”  

You could say: AI replicates humans by using existing information to create content and problem-solve.

1. AI can create echo chambers. 

Do you ever find your social feeds are full of the same kind of content a lot or some of the time? This is because AI is analysing the content you are looking at and serving more and more of the same. AI will continue to deliver content more and more bespoke to your interests. 

This is ok for most content; however, for some topics (like politics or views of particular groups of people) it can create a digital echo chamber, where you only hear one point of view, and your views are reinforced without challenge.  

Misinformation could lead to extreme views, to radicalisation, misogyny, racial hatred, homophobia or more. You get the picture. 

You can work against social media echo chambers by:

  • not believing everything you see or read;
  • getting your news from a range of sources; 
  • following a range of accounts to break out of your echo chamber – confuse the algorithms!

Takeaway point: be sure to leave your digital echo chamber.

2. AI can be a useful prompt or time-saving device – but don’t let it do all the thinking for you! 

Want to create a low-budget meal plan that isn’t just a bowl of pasta and cheese? Ask AI (e.g. ChatGPT). Tell it what you’re looking to do and it’ll write you some suggestions. 

But when it comes to writing your essay – that’s your remit. AI could offer you some pointers but don’t get AI to write your essay for you. AI might write your essay for you but what are the risks?  

On one hand, that’s a straight-up Assessment Offence and you’ll get a 0 when that’s noted by the marker, you’re pulled up before an Assessment Offence panel; and you may fail a core module and have to leave your course. 

On the other hand: what’s the point?! You’ve worked hard to get to uni, to get an education in a subject you love – why let AI do all the thinking for you?  By over-using AI, you won’t have the benefit of the learning yourself and you won’t have the skills you need for your career – you might pass but will you have learnt? 

When you’re in the workplace, you won’t have the knowledge you need – and there might be limitations on AI in your industry, so you won’t have it as a back-up. How will you evidence your knowledge in a job?  

Delve into your subject, do the graft and feel the reward!

Takeaway point: AI is useful as a research tool but don’t rely on it too heavily. Don’t let a bot do your degree for you.

3. Don’t believe everything you see and read – AI is not 100% trustworthy. 

Did you know that AI can produce “hallucinations”? Yep, that’s the technical word for AI making stuff up. A bit like a ropey Wikipedia page with misinformation, AI can make stuff up.  

This can either be: 

  1. Misinformation – wrong information.

Check the validity of what AI produces – if AI tells you something, find a source outside of AI to check that it’s true. Go to a national newspaper or another reliable source to check. 

  1. AI can produce fake references.  

AI can generate a reference that looks legit but is totally made up. Check, check, check! 

  1. Fake imagery.  
  • Google Donald Trump AI hands and you’ll see what we mean. This is an example of a deepfake – an image which looks legit but it’s false. In this case, you can identify this by the fact that Trump has 6 fingers on his hands.
  • You may have seen that TikTok released some AI-generated photos of Taylor Swift which crashed the platform.
  • AI can produce an image from a text prompt; so be wary.  

Takeaway point: question what you read and see.

4. Finally, sign up to one of our AI workshops.

The Library regularly run workshops you can attend online to give you an overview of the pros and cons of AI and how you can use it appropriately at university. 

AI is everywhere, so make sure you know how to handle it.

Further resources

International Men’s Day 2024

Author Student Communications | Posted on

What does it mean to be a man?

We’ve been out and about on campus to pose that question to our male-identifying students for a new video to mark International Men’s Day 2024. 

Their responses covered a huge range of topics including talking about your feelings, setting a good example to others and respecting yourself and those around you. 

We know there are many influences, opinions and feelings tied up in modern day masculinity, but encouraging conversations about positive masculinity can help promote the message that there is no one way to be a man. 

Ultimately, being a man can be anything you want it to be. You don’t need to revert to traditional stereotypes about masculinity or manliness. In today’s world, you can choose the sort of man you want to become. 

International Men’s Day is marked on 19 November 2024 and one of its aims is to promote a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity. 

We are urging you to consider how you would answer the questions of what it means to be a man and chat to your friends about their thoughts and feelings on the topic. 

Filming this video on campus is a continuation of work we are doing to promote positive masculinity here at UWE Bristol, and follows the successful launch of a previous video featuring men from across UWE and the wider Bristol community. 

Watch our latest video and join the conversation on social by using #WhatItMeansToBeAMan and #IMD2024

Staying safe while at uni

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Reports of mobile phone thefts

There have been a number of reports of thefts in Bristol city centre where people have had their mobile phones snatched out of their hands by men on e-bikes. We are urging all students to be vigilant, particularly those studying at Spike Island and the Arnolfini.

The university has been in touch with the police and they have confirmed they are aware of the issue and are taking measures to prevent crimes, while also taking action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, their crime prevention advice is for everyone to be aware of their surroundings while walking around, particularly in the evenings as it gets dark. They also advise you not to walk around with your phone in your hand or while wearing headphones as it can make you more vulnerable to crime.

Keeping your bike secure

We would also urge cyclists to take action to keep their bikes secure. The university organises free bicycle marking three times a year at Bower Ashton and the Arnolfini, using the Bike Register Scheme. So please look out for these when they are advertised.

Also, the police advise that you use a good quality “Sold Secure” gold-standard D-lock, as the majority of bikes which get stolen have been locked using cable locks which can be easily cut.

If your bike is stolen, then please make sure you report it to the police and get a crime reference number.

Advice on staying safe

The university works closely with the police and other services to help ensure you stay safe during your time at UWE.

While we don’t want you to feel unduly concerned, we know that particularly as the nights draw in and it gets darker much earlier, you may want to think of ways you can stay safe. There are a number of initiatives and support services available to you, and we would also encourage you to report any concerns or incidents which occur.

  • The Walk & Talk initiative offers female students the chance to directly engage with local neighbourhood police officers about any safety concerns. You can walk with a female police officer around any areas where you feel uneasy or unsafe so police can take action.
  • For further safety support, the police recommend using apps such as StreetSafe or Hollie Guard. These offer personal safety features, including real-time alerts, as well as the opportunity to report any areas of concern.
  • You can report safety issues to the university via InfoPoint (there are in-person InfoPoint desks at both Bower Ashton and the Arnolfini), or you can report a crime or incident to the police. In an emergency, please always dial 999.
  • Remember, UWE Security’s contact number is on the back of your university card and you can call them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

My career top tip

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Gundega, Student Careers Coach

As a mature student returning to the job market after more than a decade, making applications again was really out of my comfort zone, but it resulted in securing my role as a Student Careers Coach.

I learnt a lot through applying for this role that I’d like to share with you, as your Careers & Enterprise tip of the month.

It isn’t an obvious place to start an application, but I found the personality tests in the Career Toolkit significantly increased my confidence with applications and interviews. They provided insight into my core strengths and helped me understand my working style, fostering self-awareness. Crucially, the results encouraged me to emphasise skills I may have overlooked, such as adaptability, problem-solving, and empathetic communication—qualities essential in a support-based role like a Student Careers Coach.

For people at any stage of their career, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of a good CV. Having a clear understanding of my strengths and preferences was a game-changer, as I built a CV that was suitable for my specific goals and ambitions.

The CV-building tool and CV examples on Toolkit were good starting points. Then I used the step-by-step guide to highlight my achievements, transferable skills and to showcase my unique experience as assets that will undoubtedly appeal to employers. The Career Toolkit transformed what initially felt like a daunting task into an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.

Don’t take any shortcuts, and don’t expect it to be quick and easy. Instead take your time creating a CV for the ‘wonderful you’, the person you’d employ yourself!

Welcome to Wobble Week

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We know the start of university, or a new academic year, whilst exciting, can also feel a little overwhelming.  

If you’re feeling a little flat after the rush of Welcome and Freshers, and feeling a little uncertain about things, we’re here to let you know that this is completely normal. And it’s not just newbies who feel this way – everyone can feel a bit “What the hell am I doing?”, even if they’re familiar with uni life, campus… the lot!  

First year students – you might be missing home comforts or finding it difficult to adjust to a different kind of learning environment. Second years – you might be thinking “Woah, this year feels waaaay more serious than last year!” And for our international students, you may be feeling the impact of living in a new country. 

We refer to this time as ‘Wobble Week’ – a time when all students can feel a little unbalanced. Wobble Week runs from 4 November, and during this week there are lots of events and activities to help you feel more connected to our community. 

To help you feel less, well, wobbly, we can help you with everything from a chat about your mental health, signposting to support services, study support, and much more! 

However you’re feeling – it’s OK. We are here to support you. 

How to get Involved

Participate in Events: Join the various workshops and social events planned throughout Wobble Week. These activities are designed to equip you with skills and strategies to manage your time at University, or simply meet new people. 

Access Support Services: Explore the different support services available to you. From mental health and academic resources to student organisations, there are many ways to get the support you need. 

Connect with Others: Engage with fellow students, share your experiences, and support each other through the ups and downs of university life. Building a network of supportive peers can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

Alcohol and blackouts: what’s happening in those lost hours?

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky Risley

Ever woken up after a night out and can’t remember parts of the night? Or maybe you’ve had nights where whole chunks of time are missing? Sometimes we make light of these experiences or pass them off as joke, but they can be really worrying. 

So how much are students actually drinking and is it really a problem?

According to NUS SOS UK national data, 84% agreed that drinking too much too quickly can cut short a great night with 79% say they don’t like socialising with people who get very drunk and ruin the night for others.

Despite this however, 51% of those that were asked said that getting drunk means they will have a good night out and 38% say it can be difficult not to drink too much on a night out.

But what is an alcohol related blackout? And why

Alcohol-related blackouts are when you can’t remember things that happened while you were drunk. This happens because drinking too much alcohol can temporarily mess up the process of moving memories from short-term to long-term storage in your brain, specifically in the hippocampus.

There are two types of blackouts, based on how much memory is lost:

Fragmentary Blackout: This is the most common type. You might have patchy memories of events, with some parts missing. This is also called a grayout or brownout.

En Bloc Blackout: This is more severe. You can’t remember anything often for hours. The memories never form, so you can’t get them back.

When do blackouts happen?

Blackouts often result from binge drinking, which is can roughly be counted as 4 drinks for women and 5 for men within 2 hours. Science suggests blackouts usually start when your blood alcohol content hits about 0.16 percent, nearly twice the legal driving limit. At this level, your judgment and decision-making are seriously impaired, making blackouts really dangerous.

They’re more likely when alcohol enters your bloodstream quickly, like drinking on an empty stomach or consuming a lot fast. Women reach higher blood alcohol content levels faster than men, making them more prone to blackouts.

Blackouts can also occur at lower levels if you mix alcohol with other substances especially benzodiazepines.

My friend drank the same amount as me and remembers everything, why is that?

Our genetics play a big role on the likelihood of blacking out, some people are just more prone to it happening than others and everyone threshold for blackouts will be different.

Are there any long-term effects from having blackouts?

Other than the anxiety of not knowing what went on in those lost hours, research suggests that those who experience blackouts have a greater likelihood of having a dependency on alcohol late on in life. So, if you are finding you are regularly blacking out seeking support is recommended.

How can I avoid blacking out when drinking?

  1. Start Low Go Slow: drink slowly, avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period. This helps keep your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from rising too quickly. Choosing lower alcohol drinks, such as lager tops, single spirits with lots of mixer or wine spritzers can help us pace ourselves.
  2. Eating is never cheating: having food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol, which can help prevent blackouts – simple as that! Eating before, during and after alcohol is always a good idea!
  3. Drink water: stay hydrated and reduce the overall amount of alcohol you consume by switching out every other drink for a glass of water.
  4. Just Say Know…your limits: everyone’s tolerance is different so it can be helpful to set yourself a limit of drinks/units before you go out for the night. Using app’s like the drink coach can help us keep track of how many drinks we have consumed.
  5. Leave the mixing to the DJ: combining alcohol with other substances, can increase the risk of blackouts.
  6. Buddy up: going out with friends who will support you to drink in a controlled way can make a big difference, make a plan and support each other to stick to it.

If you have more questions, need support or want to make a change to your alcohol use, just get in touch with me!

You can find out more about me and the UWE drug and alcohol service on our drugs and alcohol webpage.

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