Category: Library support

Why choose coaching? We asked you

Author Student Communications | Posted on

We spoke to Elizabeth Ellis, a Psychology with Criminology student to find out how the Student Experience Coaches helped with her degree.

What brought you to coaching?

I was struggling with multiple areas before accessing coaching:

  • Time management
  • Organisation (aka timetable, study schedule, routine)
  • Imposter syndrome and confidence
  • Deadline submissions – getting them in and on time
  • Attendance
  • Keeping on top of coursework
  • Managing overwhelm
  • Managing and prioritising my health alongside my studies – finding a healthy balance I can consistently maintain
  • Accessibility of workload – not knowing how to start and becoming ‘frozen’
  • Difficulty completing admin tasks – both for my personal life (that’ll positively impact my studies when complete, such as the ADHD referral form) and study-related
  • Memory and retaining information

What did you do in the coaching session?

During the coaching sessions I have gained:

  • A compassionate, empathetic, safe and non-judgemental space to be open and honest about how I am feeling – never being made to feel like my emotions don’t matter or are wrong.
  • Confidence – noticing my efforts and celebrating my ‘wins’ – (no matter how small they may seem on the outside) and therefore encouraging me to do the same for myself.
  • Recognition and consideration of the complex and direct impact health has on academic studies – especially living with mental and physical health issues which have often not been considered in the past in relation to academic performance and encouragement to prioritise and focus on looking after my health above all else.
  • Direction – knowing exactly what areas to focus on and where and how to start.
  • A personalised and tailored yet manageable action plan – formed together and broken down into doable steps.
  • Someone to bounce my ideas off of and help me be realistic so as to avoid overwhelm, whilst still encouraging me to have confidence in my ability to get things done and workload.
  • A mood-booster every time – a positive and empathetic person who is genuinely dedicated to enhancing my student experience and makes me feel supported and cared about.
  • Reminders of things I have mentioned in previous appointments and recognition of the growth in each individual area.
  • Autonomy and space to make each session completely unique and tailored to my individual needs that specific day – which has been invaluable for my fluctuating schedule, capacity, mood, motivation and energy levels.
  • Space to ‘body double’ hard tasks such as admin tasks, with timed check-ins so as to give support as and when I need and keep me on task.
  • Tools for time management, organisation and tasks that are specifically recommended for me and my needs.

What has been the impact of coaching?

Following the coaching sessions I have gained:

  • A personalised action plan after every session – breaking down the tasks we decided together and step-by-step to completing each task.
  • A reminder of what we discussed in the session and worked on – so I always have this to come back to and refresh my memory.
  • Flexibility and understanding – when it comes to having to reschedule due to unpredictable health, with at times slow replies, and having technical difficulties, and moving between face-to-face and online sessions.
  • Accommodation – willingness to offer extended or more frequent sessions during times of need and always having her inbox open for queries and concerns.
  • CONFIDENCE! I always leave sessions feeling a million times better than I began them feeling. My coach has truly been THE thing that has single-handedly improved my Study life – in all areas: my attendance, my grades, my deadline management, my time-keeping, my organization skills, my ability to find balance, my confidence in my academic ability (Achieving a 1st under her weekly sessions!), my boundaries with myself and others, my ability to be flexible and prioritise tasks, my understanding of my diet and sleep, implementation of healthy habits and a daily routine, my ability to listen to and honour how my body is feeling without judgement, my ability to celebrate every single win, the ability to break things down, tools to manage overwhelm, an ability to prioritise myself, and my passion for my studies.

I have gone from no confidence, to heaps of confidence under the guidance of my coach for the past year. I would recommend student coaching to anyone. I am so beyond glad and grateful I approached my coach in the library and we had our first session promptly after that – My university experience and quality of life alongside studying would not be in the place it is now if it wasn’t for her invaluable time and support.

To find out how the Student Experience Coaches can support your university experience, book an appointment online.

Study tips from our CHSS neurodivergent advocate at UWE

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Hey everyone! I’m Imogen, a second year studying sociology and one of the neurodivergent advocates at UWE, as part of the widening participation team.

At the end of my first year I stumbled across the advertisement for the advocacy role in my emails. There were roles for mature student advocates, race equity advocates and neurodiversity advocates. I decided to apply as I knew a lot about neurodiversity. My friends, family and partner (and myself) are neurodivergent. I am passionate about social change, and I am very aware about what support is available. The role is flexible, catering to students at 2-4 hours per week, online or in-person, with 3 to 4 other advocates on each team. I have been working as an advocate for this academic year now, alongside my studies. It is a rewarding role. I have had many opportunities and gained valuable experience. I have particularly enjoyed writing content for newsletters and talking about my experiences at widening access calls to prospective students. I am better at knowing what study methods work for me, and feel much more confident in my abilities as I finish my second year.

With exam and deadline season in full swing, I wanted to share a few study tips that have helped me throughout my time at uni as a neurodivergent student. Whether you’re neurodivergent too or just looking for new ways to stay organised and motivated, I hope you find something useful here!


📋 Make Lists


It might sound simple, but honestly – lists save me. Trying to remember everything in my head never works, so I write a daily ‘to-do’ list with every task I need to get done. And I mean everything. I include achievable things like ‘get out of bed’ or ‘go to my lecture’ because some days, those are big wins too. Ticking them off gives me a little boost and keeps me feeling productive.


📆 Use a Calendar


I live by my calendar. I schedule all my study sessions, but instead of blocking out a vague ‘study time’, I’ll be specific – like ‘check essay conclusion’ or ‘revise topic 3 notes’. It makes my workload feel way more manageable. I personally use Google Calendar because it’s linked to my personal email and lets me combine everything in one place – study sessions, lectures, meetings, and reminders.


🧘 Schedule Breaks


This one’s important: don’t forget to rest. When I get hyper-focused on a task, I can easily forget to eat, stretch, or breathe. Even if you’re someone who thrives on last-minute cramming (no judgement), try to build in small breaks to recharge. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your grades.


🤝 Try Body Doubling


If you haven’t heard of this before, body doubling is a productivity technique where you work in the presence of someone else to help you stay on track. It’s especially popular among people with ADHD, but it works for anyone. I like meeting a friend at the library in the morning – having somewhere to be and someone there makes it easier to get moving. Pro tip: aim for the quiet study areas if you’re easily distracted!

I hope these tips resonate with you, and if you’re finding things tough or need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the services available at UWE:

The Student Coaching Service
The range of Library Study Skills Workshops (online or in-person)
The Wellbeing Service

How to join the CHSS Advocate Programme


Interested in being part of this supportive community? Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.
To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up!

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

Why You Can’t Focus (And What to Do About It)

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Dr. Aaliyah Khan, Senior Student Experience Coach

Do you ever sit down to study, only to find yourself scrolling through your phone, staring out the window, or suddenly remembering that you really need to clean your desk? You’re not alone. Staying focused can feel impossible, especially when distractions are everywhere. But before you blame yourself for a “lack of willpower,” let’s break down why focus is so hard—and what you can do to fix it.

1. Your brain is overloaded

Between lectures, assignments, social life, and personal responsibilities, your brain is constantly juggling information. When your mental load is too heavy, it becomes harder to concentrate.

Fix It: Give your brain some breathing room by breaking tasks into smaller steps. Use tools like to-do lists or planners to offload information from your mind, making it easier to focus on one thing at a time.

2. Digital distractions are everywhere

Your phone, laptop, and social media apps are designed to grab and keep your attention. Every notification, message, and update pulls your focus away from your work.

Fix It: Set up “focus time” by putting your phone on silent, using website blockers, or studying in a distraction-free environment. Try the Pomodoro technique—work in short, focused bursts with breaks in between.

3. You’re not in the right environment

Your surroundings can make or break your concentration. Noise, clutter, or even the wrong lighting can make it harder to focus.

Fix It: Create a study space that works for you. Whether it’s a quiet library, a tidy desk, or a café with background noise, find an environment where you can work at your best.

4. You haven’t trained your focus

Focus is like a muscle—the more you train it, the stronger it gets. If you constantly switch between tasks, your brain struggles to stay on track.

Fix It: Practice deep work by setting aside time for uninterrupted concentration. Start with just 10–15 minutes and gradually increase your focus stamina over time.

5. Your energy levels are low

It’s hard to concentrate when you’re running on empty. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and dehydration can all sap your focus.

Fix It: Take care of your body! Prioritize sleep, stay hydrated, and fuel yourself with brain-friendly foods like nuts, fruit, and whole grains.

Ready to Fix Your Focus?

If you want to understand your distractions and learn practical ways to sharpen your concentration, join our Fix Your Focus workshop. You’ll discover how to take control of your attention and finally get things done.

Date: Wednesday 26th February, 4pm-5.30pm Location: Room 5X102, Frenchay Campus

Limited spaces, book your place on our registration page.

What’s new in the Library? You Said We Did

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Our Library Team has been gathering feedback from you – the student community, to help make our spaces work harder for you. We’ve made improvements in the libraries across our three campuses to make sure you’ve got everything you need to work hard and feel supported this term. Let’s explore what’s new…

Frenchay:

  • You said…There were not enough business books. We did…We subscribed to Business Trove – full text unlimited access to 60+ Oxford University Press key Business titles.
  • You said…You wanted more space to study. We did…We have added 223 study spaces to Frenchay Library.
  • You said…You wanted more accessible study spaces. We did…Our new study zone on Level 2 has sit stand desks and more space to move around.
  • You said…You needed space to chill out. We did…Our relax lounge on Level 4 gives you the chance to take a break from your studies with comfy seating, reading for pleasure and plants.
  • You said…You wanted more study seating options. We did…We have added different ways you can study, from individual pods to sofas and booths.
  • You said…You wanted to be able to feedback on the service more readily. We did…We have put a feedback box on the help desk and a feedback terminal in the Library.

Glenside:

  • You said…You wanted longer laptop loans. We did…We have made 18 laptops available to borrow for up to two weeks.
  • You said…You wanted more reading for pleasure. We did…We added 79 books to our wellbeing collection last year.
  • You said…You wanted more ways to chill out. We did…We ran 10 wellbeing events for you to attend.

Bower:

  • You said…You wanted longer laptop loans. We did…We have made 20 MacBooks available to borrow for up to two weeks

Everywhere:

  • You said…It’s difficult to find a workshop at a suitable time. We did…We moved 70% of our academic skills workshops online and increased the range of time slots.
  • You said…You wanted more Library Disability drop-ins. We did…We made these available at all three campuses.
  • You said….You wanted us to improve Library Search. We did…We’re continuing to add new features including: the number of records you can export and more detailed information about authors.

All these changes have happened from the great feedback received by you, our student community. Keep in touch with us and let us know how we are doing so we can keep improving. We have a comment box in each of our three libraries and you can also use our 24/7 chat service to share your ideas.

Winter Wellbeing: Simple Ways to Beat the January Blues

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Aaliyah Hussain, Senior Student Experience Coach

January can feel like the hardest time of the year for many. Even though the shortest days of the Winter are behind us (yes, the days are officially getting longer!), mornings are still dark and cold, and motivation can be hard to find. If you’re struggling to stay on top of assignments or missing the sunshine from home, you’re not alone. Winter can be tough, especially for international students from sunnier climes, and even for those accustomed to the great British weather, January can be a drag.

But don’t worry—there are small, practical steps you can take to boost your wellbeing and stay on track through these darker months. Let’s explore five tips to help you feel brighter, even when the sun isn’t shining.

1. Get Outside Every Morning

Daylight is your best friend in winter. Exposure to natural light first thing in the morning helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boosts serotonin levels, improving your mood and focus.

Why it matters: Your body clock, or circadian rhythm, relies on light to stay in sync. Without it, you might feel sluggish or out of sorts.

What to do: Spend 20 minutes outside in the morning—whether it’s a walk to campus, a coffee in the fresh air, or just standing by a window. Even cloudy days in the UK provide enough light to make a difference.

2. Take Vitamin D

Vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is essential for energy, mood, and overall health. But during winter, it’s hard to get enough through sunlight alone, especially for people with darker skin.

Why it matters: Low Vitamin D levels are linked to fatigue, low mood, and even difficulty concentrating—all things you don’t need when juggling assignments.

What to do: A daily Vitamin D supplement can help fill the gap. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can make a big difference.

3. Stay Active

When it’s cold and dark, curling up in bed all day might feel tempting, but movement is key to feeling better. Exercise doesn’t just keep you physically healthy—it boosts endorphins and helps clear your mind.

Why it matters: Staying active can reduce feelings of stress and help you concentrate better, giving you the energy to tackle your to-do list.

What to do:

  • Take a brisk walk around your campus or a nearby park. Here in Bristol, we are blessed with so many great open spaces to choose from, such as Ashton Court right next to Bower Ashton, and Stoke Park Estate which is a stone’s throw from Frenchay and Glenside. And if you’re at Arnolfini, you have the lovely harbourside to take a scenic stroll.
  • Try a free YouTube workout or yoga session at home.
  • Take advantage of your free MOVE membership. As a UWE student you have free access to a huge variety of classes and sessions every week to help you be active and feel good.

4. Create a Winter-Friendly Routine

Winter days feel short, but having a routine can help you feel more grounded and in control. Small habits can add structure and make those darker hours feel more manageable.

Why it matters: Building simple rituals into your day can help reduce stress and keep you motivated, even when energy is low.

What to do:

  • Plan your day the evening before, focusing on one or two key tasks.
  • Schedule time for breaks and things you enjoy, like reading, cooking, or calling a friend.
  • Wind down with a calming bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality (it’s not just for babies, it really works!)

5. Stay Connected

It’s easy to isolate yourself in winter, but staying connected with others is vital for your wellbeing. Sharing how you’re feeling or simply spending time with friends can lift your spirits.

Why it matters: Social connections help combat feelings of loneliness and give you a much-needed sense of community.

What to do:

  • Meet up with friends for a study session or a meal.
  • Join a UWE society or group to meet new people.
  • Attend an event on campus—there’s loads happening in January!

How Your Student Experience Coaches Can Help

If you’re finding it hard to get motivated, we are there to listen to how you feel, help you identify your challenges, set realistic goals and create a plan for your success and wellbeing.

Book a one-to-one appointment:

  • Head to the appointments section on Infohub, select ‘Student Experience Coaching Appointment’, and choose a time that works for you. You can see us face-to-face at any campus or online (Teams).
  • Alternatively, you can chat to us at a Drop-In session (see here for timings and locations).

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.

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