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Spotlight on… Catalyst Curiosities
Welcome to the first of our ‘Spotlight on…’ blog series! As part of #LoveYourLibrary month, we will be bringing light to some of Catalyst’s lesser-known fantastic features.
Catalyst is brilliant for so many reasons. From finding academic resources and facilitating group work, to simply being an inspiring and positive study space, there is an abundance of services designed to help you – including some you may not know about! Here, we collate some of the features that tend to spark students’ curiosities.
Black Study Lamps
You may have seen the black study lamps in certain study spaces around Catalyst, but there has been some confusion as to how you turn them on! To use these, you just touch the base of the lamp, tapping more than once to dim the brightness. These study lamps also have a USB port which can be used to charge electronic devices (you need to bring the correct cable).
Library Catalogue Machines
The library catalogue machines are computers which allow you to search for a book or journal article that is available in Catalyst. They are ready to be used which saves you having to find a computer and log on! They are located on the first and second floors next to the printing hubs.
Printing PCs
There are computers located within the printing hubs that can be logged onto if you just have something to print.
Stationery
There is also stationery available to use which can be located within the printing hubs.
The Video Wall
The video wall is located on the Catalyst ground floor to the right of the coffee shop. This has a rotational display which informs students of useful information, such as upcoming workshops and the building layout.
Have you spotted any other curious features in Catalyst? Tweet us at @EHULearnService using #KeepUpWithCatalyst so we can spread the word!
Written by: Anna Krawiecka
Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services
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Perfect your presentations with UniSpeaks
How do you feel when you look at your module overview and see that one of the assessed elements is a presentation? Fearful? Anxious? Nervous?
You are not alone! Almost every course at university includes an assessed presentation at some point … and almost every student has felt anxious or nervous about presenting in front of other people.
A great way to reduce anxiety and improve your confidence levels is to practice in a safe environment. Some of you may already do this with family or friends, but finding an audience that is welcoming, friendly and can offer positive feedback, can often be a challenge.
This is why we have developed UniSpeaks!
UniSpeaks offers a safe space to come together with other students in the same boat to practice presenting in front of an audience. These sessions will take place once a month – you can come along and listen to others present, and even have a go yourself.
Our aim is to build a community of positive support where those new to presenting, or speaking in front of any audience, can learn strategies and techniques to develop their confidence. UniSpeaks offers the space and opportunity for you to develop your own style and provide constructive feedback to the other speakers. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other students, develop your skills, and become a more confident presenter.
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Happy National Hobby Month!
Can you believe that extreme ironing is a hobby? People take to mountains, helicopters and even mid-air to iron their clothes. Have you ever heard of Baggists? Baggists collect sick bags from aeroplanes and websites are available for Baggists to buy and sell bags they may not have found.So… to celebrate national hobby month, why don’t you take up a new hobby? I won’t expect you to iron your bed sheets whilst hung from a parachute or fly around the world to collect bags from flights – but even taking up the smallest hobby that you enjoy can improve your overall satisfaction.
I’ve listed hobbies below to give you an idea of new activities you could trial out:
- Join a new society – Edge Hill host an array of societies including cheerleading, LGBT society, murder mystery and table top gaming.
- Reading – Some people wish they had time to read, but don’t. Why don’t you give yourself some time to go through Catalyst’s resources and find yourself a book?
- Learn a new language – Why not download an app to help you learn a new language? In an ever-expanding and multi-cultural world, learning a new language is never a bad thing. Not only is it a mind-sharpening activity, it also proves very good on a CV!
- Writing – Writing fiction, poetry, scripts or non-fiction can earn you money. If you’ve had that idea nagging in your head for a while, get started!
- Scrapbooking – Are you the artistic type? Scrapbooking can be extremely therapeutic and stimulating for those who love art and aesthetic. Put your artistic practises to use and create a collage of your memories.
- Learn to play an instrument – Music-lovers might like this one. Developing your skills as a musician has so many benefits, and you might discover your hidden talent.
- Meditation – It might sound strange, but meditation can slow down the mind and relax your anxieties and encourage a healthier mindset.
- Join the gym – Why not join Edge Hill University’s renowned gym? Its facilities are enough to cater for all sporty types or new starters!
If you already have a hobby – celebrate by doing more of it. Improving and strengthening your wellbeing using hobbies will have positive impacts on your approach to university.
To celebrate the new year why not try something new?
Written by: DYLAN BOOTH3rd Year Creative Writing Student
Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services
