Making the Most of Your University’s Resources as a Postgraduate

There’s a lot that’s ‘new’ about postgraduate work. But sometimes it’s just as important to think about the more familiar aspects of university study.

As an experienced student, it’s very easy to take for granted all the resources your university offers.

However, it’s important not to get too caught up on the ideal of total self-reliance. Postgraduate study draws on a much wider range of facilities and services. Using them effectively will make a big difference to your degree.

This blog explains how you can do just that.

Whether your degree is taught or research-based, it’s highly likely that you’re going need the library several times during your course…right?

The library isn’t just a space that you can reserve (and read) books, it’s also a place where you can reserve computers and study spaces, hire equipment such as cameras and audio recorders, and utilise specialist software. You may even find that your university houses different libraries for different services, such as one that holds special collections. It is these specialist materials that you should be employing in your research – especially your thesis – where possible.

Feel lost as soon as you step into a library? That’s where the library assistants step in! These savvy individuals will become your academic mentors, tech saviours, and personal assistants. Many university libraries have subject librarians, who are knowledgeable in particular fields. They can direct you specifically to the material you need, such as journal articles – your new best friends – which will be useful for independent research.

Branching further afield, you may even be able to acquire SCONUL access to gain entry into other university libraries in your area, or even back home. You can’t always loan materials outside the premises, but having access to other libraries through this network may help you find that specialist material you’ve been after for your thesis.

Some universities also arrange weekly or monthly trips to other libraries which they have particular arrangements with. It’s worth checking out whether you could be on a coach to spend a day in The British Library sometime next week…

Hoards of material, hidden histories, and the serenity of silent study… archives are definitely worth visiting at least once during your course, even if only for the experience.

These facilities are excellent resources for finding specialist materials that you may not be able to find online, such as newspaper cuttings, photographs, maps, and private collections.

Archives assistants are extremely efficient in assisting you with your research, and are knowledgeable in most subjects. Often, they will be able to direct you to a selection of material related to your interests, or know where else you may find it if not.

Material sourced from these collections is also often very niche. It’s not unheard of for students to explore a collection that no one else has thought to before. Some have even made a significant contribution to their field in the process. And so could you!

Take the time to explore your university’s archives, as you may just find that hidden gem that was previously overlooked.

Universities are institutions which specialise in innovative research and public engagement. As a result, yours is likely offer a lot of conferences and research events which postgraduates can attend. These are often free, and may be organised in partnership with other universities and organisations.

They are an excellent means of keeping up-to-date with the most recent research activities within your field, and are also a great place to network and inspire your own research for future projects. You never know, you may just end up meeting a future collaborator.

Besides this, a lot of university conferences often offer small perks, particularly if they want feedback from students. This might mean receiving a gift voucher for your time, or perhaps credit as a contribution to an extracurricular award you are trying to attain.

Either way, you should definitely consider getting involved.

Your SU isn’t simply a place to have a decent cheap night out once a week. It’s also a great place to access support and services.

You’ll likely find that your SU offers many study support opportunities, such as mentoring schemes, advice drop-in services, and study groups which you can attend.

Joining a postgraduate society is another excellent means of accessing a support network during your studies. Not only will you be able to meet new friends, you’ll have opportunities to discuss your work and research on an informal level with others in your field.

Furthermore, your SU may be able to provide you with means of accessing crucial pots of funding for projects, or opportunities to broaden your academic horizons -such as the Erasmus+ programme (which conveniently provides both!).

And don’t forget, if you ever find yourself struggling, your students’ union provides services such as counselling to help you.

The careers service at your university is not just for finding part-time work during your studies, or a job once you graduate. It can also help you to explore options for further study, and develop your transferrable skills.

Skills workshops run by your careers service are one means of developing your skills. Topics may include advice on how to prepare presentations, how to write your thesis efficiently and effectively, or how to conduct a particular piece of research.

There’s no shame in needing to go back to basics once in a while as a postgraduate student. Refining your skills, and honing them in during your studies will help you to employ effective modes of enquiry, in turn helping you to produce high standards of work.

Finally, students are of course an intrinsic part of every university. So why not get in touch with some?

Getting to know your course mates can be a great way of receiving informal advice and support. After all, you’re all in the same boat, so you might as well row together.

Try attending some of those extracurricular activities which your department may be organising, or suggest that your seminar group head for some lunch. You could just meet some chums for life, or even find inspiration for your next piece of work.

You might also like to make use of our sister site, Postgraduateforum.com. Here you’ll be in touch with students of all backgrounds, to discuss all things postgraduate. Check it out!