The early bird may catch the worm, but it’s the Cat(alyst) that’s got the cream!

If you’ve been on campus lately you will have spotted, and hopefully visited, Catalyst…but are you making the most of this fantastic facility and its equally fabulous learning and support services that roost inside?

Catalyst

Club Catalyst – you’re already a member!

Catalyst is your central point of access to Library & Learning Services, Student Services and Careers so there is an abundance of help and support available (take a look below if you don’t believe us) and the building itself has lots to offer!

The Catalyst Helpdesk is your one stop access point for all services and support in the building and you can contact the team weekdays 8am-8pm and weekends 10am-6pm in a number of ways:

? Visit the Catalyst Helpdesk
☎️ Telephone (01695 650800)
? Text (+4401613751608)
? Online Chat
? Email
And don’t forget our online knowledge base AskUs is available 24/7!

[To the tune of Club Tropicana…]
Club Catalyst the books are free,
Fun and learning, there’s enough for everyone!
All that’s missing is study,
But don’t worry, you can bring that!

You will find your print resources (books and a selection of journals) on the first and second floors and self-issue machines here too…as well as two on the ground floor. You can check PC availability or book a study room before you arrive, and discover your perfect study space across the four main floors:

  • Ground Floor – Social Study
  • 1st Floor – Group Study
  • 2nd Floor – Quiet Study
  • 3rd Floor – Silent Study

It is important to make sure you are also taking effective study breaks – we highly recommend the roof garden (open daily 11am-3pm, weather permitting) for beautiful panoramic views across campus and some mind calming fresh air!

Catalyst itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during term time so if you’re an early bird or a night owl there is something for everyone! If you are visiting after hours just remember to bring your UniCard along to swipe access into the building. View current opening hours here…

Making the most of Catalyst support if you’re an Early Bird ?

If you’re planning to arrive early on campus, don’t sit in your car until class begins – be green, turn off your engine and come inside cosy Catalyst.

Most important meal: 53.3 Degrees, Catalyst’s fab coffee shop, is open from 7am every weekday so why not take advantage of a hot (or cold) breakfast. Throughout the day you can also grab a range of hot and cold drinks and food, including those all essential study snacks! Tip: their vegan sausage rolls give Greggs a run for their money!

Get a head start: Log in and catch up with your emails, check for any module / tutor updates and prep for your day ahead. You will often be set pre-lesson reading and it is important to complete this to get the most out of your lectures and seminars. Use your mornings to familiarise yourself with topics or even do some wider reading, so you can contribute effectively in your classroom discussions.

Academic Skills Support: If there’s a particular piece of work you’d like some help with, or you need some guidance navigating your reading and research, you can book a UniSkills 1-2-1 appointment weekdays 8am-6pm. Our friendly Academic Skills Advisors are on hand to offer their knowledgeable advice and support on a wide range of academic skills.

Breakfast Club: During key times of the year, you can drop in Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:15am-8:45am for advice and guidance on all things Careers. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, interested in volunteering, want to know more about the Student Opportunity Fund, or are unsure where to start with graduate job applications – come along for a chat and a free bite to eat!

Find your calm: The Faith and Reflection Room provides a quiet space for reflection, contemplation and prayer for the exclusive use of staff and students at Edge Hill. Open to people of all faiths and none, it offers the opportunity to explore matters of faith and spirituality, or just simply to find your calm before a busy day. You will find the Faith and Reflection Room in the Magnolia Building, next to the Forest Court Halls of Residence.

Making the most of Catalyst support if you’re a Night Owl ?

If you’re more productive as the sun goes down ? then here’s some great tips, activities and support available after hours:

Research, Read and Write: If you find you’re buzzing with ideas after the days classes then why not make a start on your research, reading and assignments. There is lots of academic skills support available 24/7 at ehu.ac.uk/uniskills

You could start by revisiting your lecture / seminar notes to summarise your key themes, recommended reading or highlight any gaps in your knowledge you’d like to research further. Quieter evenings lend themselves to reading and research (especially on the quiet (2nd) and silent (3rd) floors).

Access the Library Catalogue, Discover More and your specialist subject databases. Your online Reading List is also a must for essential and recommending reading, especially if you are looking for a good place to start!

Make an assignment plan, create your search strategy or simply stop procrastinating and get writing! If you’re nearing submission then complete your final edits, print it out and proofread before you upload to TurnitIn.

If you’re not quite ready to knuckle down with your study, or just need a well-earned break (these are important too!) then there are plenty of great activities hosted by Catalyst support teams:

Chillout Tuesdays: meet your Campus Connectors, every other Tuesday evening 5pm-7pm, in the Catalyst foyer (by the comfy seats!) for chilled-out games, crafts and a chat!

That Thursday Thing: is the informal weekly meet-up of people who want to meet up with other people. Join in, every Thursday 5pm-7pm, to relax, chat, watch films, play games, listen to music or whatever you fancy doing!

Try Something New: If you fancy trying your hand at 3D printing, or would like to give a new sport a go, look out for TechSkills and Pop-in and Play sessions. Visit the Campus Life Facebook events page for latest updates!

Crack that CV: If you’re unable to attend one of the Careers CV workshops during the day you can book a place on a CV Webinar! Delivered by our exceptional Careers Advisers, the Webinars are a great way to receive information and advice, as well as ask questions, without having to be present.

Other support available in Catalyst…

Of course, there is tonnes of other support available throughout the day in Catalyst too, including…

So, regardless of when you visit don’t be owl by yourself, let us take you under our wing, and help you make the most of Catalyst! In fact, you’d be stork raving mad not to pay us a visit!