Study Support at Loughborough University

Starting your university studies can be a daunting experience. Upon having to move away from home, studying for a university degree is different as well compared to your previous experiences. We have listed 6+1 ways of getting support during your studies here at Loughborough.

English Language Support Service

Home student or international, the Support Service offers a range of high-quality English language workshops. They can help you enhance your general English and academic language skills which are key elements to succeed in your studies. The tutorials aimed specifically for international students can be booked via the Learn module – LUA010. You could book onto the Academic Skills sessions to help you understand some of the different aspects of academic writing. Or why not book into the Speaking Club –it’s a great opportunity to practice your English and make friends? You can also access helpful online resources 24/7 at LUA014 Academic Language Support.

Personal Tutors and Lecturers

If you have questions regarding a particular module, the best person to ask for help is usually your lecturer or your personal tutor. First of all, the lecturer of the module should be your first point of call as they are the most knowledgeable on the topic and will be able to tell you what is expected of you. Additionally, they will be able to recommend you books and articles to read upon to support your coursework or exam. However, lecturers can’t help you with everything; sometimes the answer to your question would give away all the details which you should solve or research yourself.

You can also contact your personal tutor who you are advised to meet at least once a semester. A Personal Tutor is a member of the teaching staff who provides academic guidance and support. If they can’t help you directly, they will be able to direct you to the right people if you need support with your studies. Additionally, if you have any personal issues that are affecting your studies, just again, your personal tutor will support you to solve these problems.

Study Support Services

Student Services provide a range of services starting from career advice to mental health support. Although they don’t provide a subject-specific tutoring, they can help you develop more effective time management skills or organisational skills.

The tutors are qualified teachers and specialists in areas such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and mental health concerns. Consultants can also help with questions concerning international or postgraduate students. To read more about the services available in the Bridgeman Building, you can visit the Student Services website.

Library Services

If you want to improve your essay writing or develop other academic skills, the Library’s Learning Support webpages are a good place to start. The Library provides support on Learn and has a list of events and workshops which can help you with a range of topics, such as reading, writing better essays and critical thinking, as well as how to avoid plagiarism and reference correctly. The Academic Librarians who deliver the workshops, also deliver training specific for doctoral researchers in both the Library and in the Graduate House.

If you visit the Library website you will also find a list of Advice and Planning Sheets that can help you with your studies.

Student Voice

Student Voice is based in the Students’ Union and is a confidential non-judgmental service specifically to help you with any issues or problems you may have with the University. They also run the Peer Support Scheme and support Programme Reps and Presidents.

Student Voice is there to help if you need advice with academic misconduct, appealing results, disciplinary allegations or mitigating circumstances. Visit LSU’s website to find out more about Student Voice and how they can help you with your academics.

Mathematics Learning Support Centre (MLSC)

The Mathematics Learning Support Centre offers its services in both Schofield Building (SCH.0.20) and in West Park Teaching Hub (WPT.0.07). For a one-to-one drop-in session, just visit one of the support centres and a lecturer on duty will come to help you. Don’t forget to bring any materials that are associated with your questions.

You are also welcomed to use the centres for quiet study alone or in groups. There are also textbooks, computers, leaflets and workbooks available for use.

Student Advice & Support Service

Furthermore, the Student Advice and Support Service can help you with many aspects of living and studying in the UK. There is lots of useful information on their website, or you can make an appointment to see one of their advisers. Some of the issues that they can advise on are listed below:

• How to register with the Police,
• How to bring your family to join you
• How to rent a private house or what to do about housing problems.
• How to access the health service
• How to manage your money
• How to resolve problems with faulty goods/services
• How to extend your visa,

Thousands of students use these services throughout the year, so don’t be afraid to make use of the help on offer. Less stress, more success!