A warm welcome from Library and Learning Services to everyone beginning their courses in January 2025 – we are thrilled to meet you and be a part of your exciting
We understand that starting university can be a whirlwind of excitement with lots to absorb. But don’t worry, we’re here to support you every step of the way! In this short blog we’ve put together some essential information to help you navigate your first weeks with ease, so read on to find out how we can support you!

Learning and Support Services Induction
To get started, head over to the Learning and Support Services Induction page, where you’ll find an engaging interactive toolkit waiting for you to explore or, if you prefer, enjoy our short digital video recording. Your Learning and Support Services Induction will introduce you to Catalyst specialist support teams across: Library and Learning Services, Student Services, and Careers and how to access the invaluable support they offer.
If you’re curious about Catalyst and want to find out more about the services and facilities we’ve got the perfect solution. Join us for a Student Led Catalyst Tour with your friendly Student Advisors as they showcase the services and facilities on offer. Tours depart every half hour from Catalyst ground floor and last approximately 20-30 minutes. No bookings required, just drop-in on one of the following dates:
- Tuesday 28 January | 9-11am
- Wednesday 29 January | 2-4pm
- Thursday 30 January | 12-2pm
If you can’t wait to visit Catalyst you can take a Student Led Virtual Catalyst Tour or explore our interactive 360 Catalyst Tour over on the Learning and Support Services Induction page.
Academic Skills Support – UniSkills and SpLD
UniSkills provide a wide range of face-to-face and virtual support designed to help you develop your academic skills and confidence on a wide range of topics including:
- Getting Organised
- Finding Academic Information
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Exam Preparation
- Referencing and Academic Integrity
- Presentations
- Dissertations
- And lots more!
There are various ways you can access UniSkills support including online via the UniSkills webpages where you’ll discover handy guides, video tutorials and interactive online toolkits all available 24/7. For an opportunity to dive deeper into a specific skill that will support you on your academic journey, you can book a UniSkills workshop or webinar. Be sure to check out the UniSkills Workshop page for the launch of our autumn/winter programme! Or for more tailored support you can also book a one to one appointment via the UniSkills portal.
Before you begin writing your first assignment you will need to think about your research, reading and resources. You can explore your print and electronic resources through the University Library search tool Discover More. Your Subject Resource pages also contain relevant journals and databases, newspaper collections and useful websites. Another great place to check out your tutors essential and recommended resources is your Online Reading List. If you need any help finding academic information we have lots of handy UniSkills toolkits, videos and guides on the Finding Academic Information page or explore our UniSkills Focus On blog series, we publish a new resource topic every last Friday of the month to help you get the most out of your eResources.
The SpLD Disability Support team also offer support for students at the University who have, or wish to explore, any challenges related to Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and ADHD. The team offers two pathways for students to access support and technologies that may be helpful in developing study skills strategies and mitigating the impact of any challenges.
#FindYourFeet
If you’re keen to hit the ground running you will have another opportunity to join your Student Advisors all week Monday 27 to Friday 31 January as they take you on a virtual guided tour of your essential support areas. Throughout the week you can drop-in, or book on one of the online webinars, to learn more about:
- Useful links on your Student Homepage
- Demystify your student support portals
- Get the most out of your virtual learning environment
- How to find and access your print and digital resources
- Discover how UniSkills can develop your academic skills
- Opportunity to ask questions and jargon bust!
The full line up of #FindYourFeet support, including how to find and book on a #FindYourFeet event, will be available on the UniSkills Campaigns page in the coming weeks.
Library and Learning Services Welcome Competition
We have our very own Library and Learning Services Instagram account @EHULibrary where we share lots of useful information, events, resources, competitions and the odd funny video! We’d love for you to join our online community so for this year’s competition we are simply asking you to join us over on the ‘gram.
We’ll be posting a competition grid post image at 10am on Monday 27 January and all you need to do is like and comment to be in with a chance of winning a £25 EHU Food (and drink!) voucher. Terms and conditions apply and we’ve provided a full breakdown of how to enter below…
How to enter
To be in with a chance of winning that £25 EHU Food voucher all you need to do is:
- Follow us on Instagram @EHULibrary
- Find the competition post (we’ll add the link in here once it goes live!)
- Like the competition post
- Tag a friend on the competition post
- Bonus entry if you also add a comment:
- If you are a new student, simply ask a question you’d like answering about studying at EHU
- If you are an existing student, either answer a new students question OR add your own tried and tested study tip!
You can visit us during one of your welcome events (full details below) or simply head over to Instagram online now to enter.
Where to find us
Date | Time | Location | Activity |
---|---|---|---|
Monday 27 January | 11:30am-1pm | HUB | #FindYourFeet at the Student Life Arch |
Tuesday 28 January | 8-9am | Creative Edge | #FindYourFeet at Commuter Breakfast |
Tuesday 28 January | 10-11am | Online | #FindYourFeet with UniSkills Webinar |
Tuesday 28 January | 12-4pm | Sports Centre | Student Life Festival |
Wednesday 29 January | 10am-2pm | Students Union | Welcome Fair |
Thursday 30 January | 8-9am | Creative Edge | #FindYourFeet at Commuter Breakfast |
Thursday 30 January | 2-3pm | Online | #FindYourFeet with UniSkills Webinar |
Friday 31 January | 11:30am-1pm | HUB | #FindYourFeet at the Student Life Arch |
Further Help and Support
There’s lots of information to take in when you first start university, so if you have any questions or need any further support you can contact the Catalyst Helpdesk via Ask Us and in person:
- Monday to Friday | 8am to 8pm
- Saturday and Sunday | 10am to 6pm
And be sure to follow @EHULibrary on Instagram for all the latest news, events, support and developments from Library and Learning Services!
That’s everything we have to share with you today – we wish you all the very best for this coming academic year and look forward to supporting you soon!