A warm welcome from Library and Learning Services to everyone beginning their courses this autumn – we are thrilled to meet you and be a part of your exciting journey!

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!

Bottom left is a photograph of the exterior of Catalyst and bottom right is a cartoon image of some books and a scroll. Text above reads: 'Welcome new students! Find out how we can support you at: ehu.ac.uk/uniskills'.

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 ServicesStudent 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 12-2pm (last tour 1.30pm) and last approximately 20-30 minutes. No bookings required, simple drop-in on one of the following dates:

  • Monday 2 September 2024
  • Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October 2024 (daily)

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 researchreading 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 7 to Friday 11 October 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

September brings a fresh chapter in your academic journey, and an exciting adventure awaits you at Edge Hill University! Here in Library and Learning Services we’re just as eager to meet you. The best part? You won’t have to wait long to get to know us.

During your first weeks of term you can visit us in the HUB, in Catalyst, or online to discover all the amazing support, resources, and facilities available to you as an Edge Hill student. And while you’re stopping by to say ‘hello,’ don’t miss out on taking part in our welcome competition!

Purple image a green ballot box which says 'win ' on it and next to it is a £50 voucher. There is a vote card going in to the box and confetti spraying out around it. Text reads 'Library and Learning Services Welcome Competition. Visit us at one of our welcome events, simply cast your vote and be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher. Terms and conditions apply. ehu.ac.uk/LSCompSept2024'

How to enter

All you need to do to enter the competition is to visit us in the HUB during one of our welcome events (full details below), or join us throughout #FindYourFeet week and submit your vote to tell us:

How do you most want to find out about services, support and events from Catalyst specialist support teams?

You will have 3 options (and 3 glass jars) to choose from, all you need to do is pick up a token at the stand and pop it into the jar of your choice!

Vote option - you follow us. Green background with 3 Instagram grid post screenshots taken from @EHULibrary account. Text reads' LS Welcome Competition at the top.
Vote option - direct to you. Pink background with 3 email related images including Outlook on a mobile phone, email on a laptop and an envelope. Text reads' LS Welcome Competition' at the top
Vote option - you look for. Purple background with 3 digital screen related images including tv screen, digital wall and hand holding a remote control. Text reads' LS Welcome Competition at the top

To enter the competition prize draw simply scan the QR code at one of our stands and complete the online entry form. Make sure to leave your student number to be entered in to the prize draw where there will be 3, yes 3, chances to win a voucher of your choice* up to the value of £50! *Terms and conditions apply and please note the competition only opens from 10am on Monday 2 September.

And don’t worry if you can’t attend any of our in person events as you can still take part and enter the poll online!

Where to find us

DateTimeLocationActivity
Monday 2 September10am-2pmHUBPGCE Welcome Fair
Saturday 28 September10am-4pmHUBWelcome Weekend
Sunday 29 September10am-4pmHUBWelcome Weekend
Wednesday 2 October10am-2pmTBCWelcome Fair
Monday 7 October 202411:30am-1pmHUB#FindYourFeet at the Student Life Arch
Tuesday 8 October 20248-9amCreative Edge#FindYourFeet at Commuter Breakfast
Tuesday 8 October 202410-11amOnline#FindYourFeet with UniSkills Webinar
Wednesday 9 October 202410am-2pmHUBWelcome Back Fair
Thursday 10 October 20248-9amCreative Edge#FindYourFeet at Commuter Breakfast
Thursday 10 October 20242-3pmOnline#FindYourFeet with UniSkills Webinar
Friday 10 October 202411:30am-1pmHUB#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!