EXAM SUPPORT AND CAREERS ADVICE
EXAM DROP IN SERVICE WITH LEARNING DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
The Learning Development Service will be holding a drop in service for exam related queries from Monday 14th May- Thursday 31st May from 12.00-1.00pm and 3.00-4.00pm in the Mc Clay Library (space opposite the Auditorium Ground Floor).
Please note this drop in service will be Monday-Thursday only and operates on a first come first served basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for all students about to undertake exams in the coming weeks that have any queries relating to:
-Revision strategies
- Analysing exam questions
- Dealing with exam essay questions
- How to manage your time effectively in exams
The Learning Development Service also continues to provide one to one guidance for various areas of academic skills and is available to all students at any level of study.
For any further information about the drop in service or one to one guidance appointments, please contact the Learning Development Service on 02890 972727, alternatively you can email them at lds@qub.ac.uk or call into the Information Desk on level one of the Student Guidance Centre.
UPDATES TO THE CAREERS ROTA FOR DROP IN SERVICE:
From Monday 14th May- Friday 29th June the out of semester careers drop in service will be available from 10.30am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm daily
Guidance interviews are also still available during out of teaching hours however these will be limited so if you would like to enquire about the drop in service or guidance interviews, please call into level one of the Student Guidance Centre or alternatively, call on 02890 972727.
To find out what career events are happening this week, check out the careers service weekly diary here.
You can also keep track of what various career events are happening over the next few weeks by logging onto the careers management system.
EXAMS ARE BACK- TIME FOR SURVIVAL TIPS
Now that semester two is on its last week can only mean one thing….. EXAMS. The pressure of exams can be extremely overwhelming for all students so here are some useful tips to help you maintain at least a little bit of sanity:
- The Mc Clay Library continues its Twenty-Four-Hour Opening until 5.30pm on Saturday 2nd June 2012.
During these dates The Mc Clay Library will remain open overnight every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Students will have access to study facilities but service points will not be staffed during the extended hours.
On Sundays the doors open at 12 noon and the building remains open all week until 1.00am on Saturday mornings. It then re-opens at 6.00am on Saturdays and closes on Sunday mornings at 1.00am before reopening at midday.
- Ensure you have your exam timetable at the ready. You need your exam timetable for each exam not only so you know where you are going and when, but it also has your anonymous code which the examiners need. To get a copy of your exam timetable, go to the ‘administration link’ (bottom left-hand corner) of your Queen’s online account.
- Make sure you have your student card. While this may seem an obvious fact, it is not uncommon for students to be so engulfed in revision that they lose track of where they left their student card. So if you find yourself in this position just before an exam…. DONT PANIC. Just come to level one of the student guidance centre were we will issue you with a new card there and then. Please note, we are open Monday to Friday 9-5 and the cost for a new student card is £10 cash.
- It may seem impossible at the time but there are ways to help manage your stress during exam time. It is vitally important to take regular breaks to give your mind a rest from revision and you can do this any way; from going out with friends, to going to the gym or for a walk, or just by catching up on some much needed TV, taking a break from your revision can help refresh your brain, ready for the next session.
- Know that you are not alone. A lot of students isolate themselves away from people in a bid to stay as focused as possible. At times, this may be good for concentration however by remembering that you are not alone, you can reach out for help either with classmates, family, or friends to get some of that stress and frustration off your chest.
For any students undertaking re-sit exams in August, the Re-sit Registration Wizard will be open on 22 June 2012, the day after the deadline for second semester examination results. You will be able to access the wizard via your QSIS account and select the modules you wish to retake.
Students will be sent email correspondence to your QUB email account so you should check it over the summer period. You will also be able to find information via the Exams website: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/srecords/Examinations/ResitExaminations/
And finally, the Student Guidance Centre would like to wish all students the best of luck in their upcoming exams.
TUITON FEES 2012-13 EXPLAINED
We have had a growing number of queries regarding the changes in structure of tuition fees for the forthcoming 2012-13 academic year. If you are applying for a new course or have concerns that you will be affected by the coming changes, guidance is available on the website, or you can call into level one of the Student Guidance Centre to speak to a member of staff. Alternatively you can call us on 02890 972727 or email directly at sgc@qub.ac.uk
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY NOW WORKING WITH MORTON PINPOINT TO PROVIDE QUALITY PRIVATE ACCOMODATION FOR STUDENTS
This week, Queens University have launched a new initiative working in partnership with leading estate and lettings agency Morton Pinpoint to help students secure quality accommodation and protect their letting rights.
To read the full article, please go to the following link.
Students who have any concerns about their current private accommodation or wish to seek advice about getting new accommodation, please remember that help and advice is available from the Students’ Union.
Queen’s University also provide a range of accommodation (including the exciting new Post graduate Accommodation) available to students. You can find out further information and their contact details by checking out their website.
POSTGRADUATE WEEK 30 APRIL- 4 MAY: Life as a Postgraduate Student
In the coming weeks, Queen’s University Belfast’s International and Postgraduate Student Centre (IPSC) will be dedicating a Postgraduate week to help postgraduate students from all disciplines get a chance to communicate their experiences of both their academic and university life, with their fellow peers and to celebrate life a postgraduate student.
The week will consist of a range of social events for postgraduate students to get to know their peers and also a chance to demonstrate the skills postgraduate students have acquired throughout their time with Queen’s through academic competitions.
For full information on what will be happening during the postgraduate week and how to enter the various competitions please check out their website
Life as a postgraduate student myself has been a challenging yet exciting opportunity. I graduated from the University of Ulster from my undergraduate degree in Accounting in 2010 and while it was never my career plan, I decided to study a Masters in Accounting and Finance at Queen’s University. Looking back at my decision, I was extremely scared at the thought of coming to a new university, meeting new people from different backgrounds and studying at a higher level. Comparing it to the University of Ulster, I was shocked when arriving to Queen’s because even though all schools and academic services are located in different areas as opposed to having all faculties and services within one building, I instantly felt a warm and welcoming community feeling at Queen’s and so I quickly adapted to my new surroundings.
Having completed my Masters in December 2011 and currently pursuing my PhD, I would without a doubt recommend doing a postgraduate course at Queen’s University. The quality of the course material and teaching exceeded beyond my expectations and whilst, as a postgraduate taught student, there is that little bit more independence and expectation of being more disciplined at a higher level of study, the help and guidance offered by the course lecturers was amazing. Undoubtedly, the masters would be the most difficult year of my life; however the challenge of pushing the boundaries of my capability was my drive for succeeding. And it was the help of my friends, my lecturers and the areas of support Queen’s offered; specifically the Mc Clay Library for their unlimited amount of comfortable space and learning resources, the Student Guidance Centre for their kind assistance with almost every aspect of university life and the IPSC for its friendly atmosphere of a postgraduate setting that helped me to enjoy my time at Queen’s and to get the grades to embark on my PhD with the University.
The best part of being a postgraduate student at Queen’s is the support you receive from all aspects of university life, not just academic related. Whether it may be concerns with career opportunities, to personal doubts about yourself and your capability levels, Queen’s University has something to offer for everyone.
Life as a postgraduate student at Queen’s helps you to mature not just in your academic setting but also as a person. You feel much more comfortable asking for help and guidance and building a relationship with peers and lecturers at your school. Looking back at undergraduate level, this was something I was never really comfortable with but being a postgraduate student boosts your confidence and especially here at Queen’s, the environment in which you work in only adds to it even more. It helps you to enhance your communication, interpersonal and communication skills and gives you that little bit more leverage when it comes to applying for jobs with a postgraduate qualification under your belt.
The decision to become a postgraduate student at Queen’s is one I will cherish forever as it changed my life. Queen’s have helped me beyond words to excel to a level of academia I was told would never be possible. The encouragement, kindness and guidance I have received from the University has been over whelming and so I say to Queen’s, thank you and to all undergraduates interest in pursuing further education, life as a postgraduate student at Queen’s really is worth every penny.
Summer Graduation schedule now available
As most of you know, summer graduation is fast approaching. The schedule for the summer graduation is now available and can be found by clicking on the following link. Registering for graduation will not become available until your final classification has been awarded to you via QSIS however details of how to register can be found here.
We have had a large amount of calls and emails at the Student Guidance Centre about how students who have deferred graduation or already have their final classification can register for graduation. At present, nobody can register for graduation until the registration wizard opens (date yet to be confirmed). Students will be contacted via their Queen’s email account in due course so please keep checking and we will update you as and when the information becomes available.
If anybody has any queries with regards to summer graduations (gowns, photography, ceremonies) all of the information is available on the Student Records website. Alternatively if you would like to contact the Graduation Helpline please call 02890 973223 or call and speak with the Information Assistants working on the Information Desk in the Student Guidance Centre.
For those of you that are due to graduate this summer, these last weeks will be crucial towards your final classification. The Learning and Development Service continue to offer a range of services either on a one to one basis or through workshops that can help you to achieve your true academic potential and aid in getting those final assignments finished. For further information, you can check out their website or call into Level one of the Student Guidance Centre to collect some free information leaflets and other useful resources from the Learning Development Zone. Alternatively if you would like to speak to a member of staff about booking an appointment or attending a workshop, please go to the Information Desk on Level one and speak to the Information Assistants.
RECENT UPDATES
For all postgraduate students- Due to student demand, the International and Postgraduate Student Centre will now open at 08.00 and close at 22.00 Monday – Friday.
The Mc Clay Library will also resume Twenty-Four-Hour Opening on Sunday 22nd April and run until 5.30pm on Saturday 2nd June 2012.
During these dates The Mc Clay Library will remain open overnight every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Students will have access to study facilities but service points will not be staffed during the extended hours.
On Sundays the doors open at 12 noon and the building remains open all week until 1.00am on Saturday mornings. It then re-opens at 6.00am on Saturdays and closes on Sunday mornings at 1.00am before reopening at midday.
Learning Development Services
Struggling with your Maths skills? Finding it hard to structure your essays?
Queen’s Learning Development Service is on hand to help.
They offer academic support to assist students through their individual university pathways. This service is available for all students, regardless of stage or level of study.
They also know know the pressures of university education and are there to support your academic potential.
Upcoming Workshops
Tuesdays @ The Library
Tue 24th April 6-7pm Reflective Writing & Learning Journals
Brief Outline
This session covers the basics of how to write reflectively for an academic course. It will offer techniques students can use to help them compose reflective essays, reports, and learning journals. Participants will get the opportunity to have a short piece of writing critiqued during the workshop.
Target Audience
Students who wish to learn more about how to write in a reflective style for an academic course. Particularly relevant for undergraduate and master’s level students.
Tue 1st May 6-7pm Exam Preparation
Tue 8th May 6-7pm Managing Exam Stress
Brief Outline
This session covers the symptoms of stress and the impact stress has on thinking and behaviour. You will get an opportunity to try out a number of techniques to help deal with stress effectively. Discussion and interaction will part of the session. Participants will be encouraged to learn from each other and to apply learning from the session to their daily routine.
Target Audience
Any student who wants to learn how to deal with stress, examples of situations that can cause stress will be particularly relevant to undergraduate study.
Almost there….
By now, most of you will be in the rundown of your modules, trying to get your coursework, essays and presentations completed before you break for Easter, or in some cases, have been left to work on it over the Easter break.
It’s important to remember though that while teaching stops over a 3 week period, help at the Student Guidance Centre does not stop. We close from 5pm on Thursday 5th April and re-open at 9am on Monday 16th April so if you need any help or assistance with your essays or course work, or preparing for exams, the Learning Development Service continue to offer a range of workshops and one to one advice to help with all areas of academic skills & development. For further information, you can check out their website or call into Level 1 of the Student Guidance Centre to collect some free information leaflets and other useful resources from the Learning Development Zone. Alternatively if you would like to speak to a member of staff about booking an appointment or attending a workshop, please go to the Information Desk on Level one and speak to the Information Assistants.
It is understandable that at this stage, the pressure will be building up for exam time, and as a result you may be feeling stressed out, exhausted and drained. If you find yourself struggling with your university work and feel it is affecting you both physically and mentally, remember that help is available and you aren’t alone! The Learning Development Service offers both workshops and one to one advice on stress management to help you cope with your stress levels effectively. For more information please follow the ‘stress management’ link. Or if you wish to chat with someone, why not call the Queen’s Counselling Service and book an appointment – Free phone 0808 100 0124 or email: counsellingappointments@qub.ac.uk
Events running over the next week:
Queen’s University Management School are holding an undergraduate open day on Friday 30th March from 9.30-1.00pm in the Whitla Hall.
Also for those registering for the degree plus award:
All students graduating in July 2012 who are submitting under Route B must submit evidence and appropriate application form by April 1st 2012. (For all postgraduate students graduating in December 2012, the deadline is October 1st 2012).
One To One Guidance
I have just started a new post here in the Student Guidance Centre. As I look through the SGC website I learn more and more about the support and services there are available to students. Check it out at www.qub.ac.uk/sgc
Did you know the Careers, Employability and Skills service offer different kinds of support depending on your needs ? – You can avail of the services as and when you need them!
Services include:
- Information queries
- Careers staff are available in the Careers information area in the Student Guidance Centre between 11am and 3pm, Monday to Friday
- Duty adviser
- No appointment necessary – just call in. The service is operated on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis, 9am – 5pm Monday –Friday
- Guidance interview
- Book at the Information Desk in the Student Guidance Centre or telephone 028 9097 2727
- E-guidance
- Click here to register
For more information visit their website at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/StudentsandGraduates/OnetoOneGuidance/
Or drop in at the Student Guidance Centre and speak to one of the Information Assistants!
In the thick of it
By now, most of you will be in the thick of coursework, essays, presentations and all other lovely tasks your lecturers like to throw at you. It’s important to always remember though that while it may seem daunting at the time, it’s important to make the best effort during semester time as it may count towards your overall mark.
To help achieve your true academic potential on this semester’s workload, the Learning Development Service offer a range of workshops and one to one advice to help with all areas of academic skills & development. For further information, you can check out their website or call into Level 1 of the Student Guidance Centre to collect some free information leaflets & other useful resources. Alternatively if you would like to speak to a member of staff about booking an appointment or attending workshop, please go to the Information Desk and speak to the Information Assistants.
Sometimes the workload can get on top of you; especially in the middle of semester and leave you feeling stressed out and drained. If you find yourself struggling with your university work and feel it is affecting you both physically and mentally, remember that help is available and you aren’t alone! The Learning Development Service offers both workshops and one to one advice on stress management to help you cope with your stress levels effectively. For more information please follow the ‘stress management’ link. Or if you wish to chat with someone, why not call the Queen’s Counselling Service and book an appointment – Free phone 0808 100 0124 or email: counsellingappointments@qub.ac.uk
Events running over the next week:
Queen’s University Management School are also holding a Postgraduate open day on Wednesday 22nd February from 12.00-14.00 in the Canada room, Lanyon building.
Careers workshops continue with a variety of high profile employers so to find out more or to register for any of the workshops, log on or register your details with Queen’s careers and employability management system.
And finally, don’t forget that if you have any queries or need help finding support in any area of university life, you can call into Level 1 of the Student Guidance Centre at the Information Desk for a chat. Alternatively contact us via email on sgc@qub.ac.uk or by telephone on 02890 972727.