Congratulations! You’ve almost made it to the end of semester one. The essays are submitted, the exams are done (or nearly done), and it is officially time to relax. While we usually encourage you to use the Library for research, this Christmas we are encouraging you to use one of our best resources, and a bit of a hidden gem, for something else entirely: pure entertainment.
Meet your new best friend: BoB
If you haven’t used Box of Broadcasts (BoB) yet, you are in for a treat. BoB is an on-demand TV and radio service for education. It allows you to record programmes from over 75 free-to-air channels, but the real magic lies in the archive. Continue reading →
Semester one is almost over and exams are looming! As the exam period approaches, it’s natural to start feeling the pressure build. But remember, you’re not alone!
At the University of Edinburgh, there are plenty of resources and services designed to support you every step of the way. In this post, we’ll highlight five key ways the library can help – from available study spaces and digital resources to helpful guides and wellbeing support – so you can make the most of your revision and head into exams feeling confident and prepared.
1) Study space, study space everywhere but not a place to sit?
Clockwise from left: New College Library, ECA Library, Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, and Moray House Library.
It can feel like this sometimes during the revision and exam period, particularly if you are a regular at the Main Library or Law Library. But there are lots of study spaces across our campuses that you have access to, including some temporary additional study space during the exam period.
While the Main Library is a favourite for many, there are 8 other site libraries that you have access to (with your student card). These range from old-fashioned, picturesque libraries, to modern libraries with light and space and also include a library in what used to be a swimming pool.
Everyone’s noticing the cost of living at the moment. And when you’re a student juggling your studies with a job, time is money. Here’s ten tips to help save money and time by using the library.
Study spaces in the Veterinary Library by Zofia Matuszczyk
Yes, exams are important. We know. But we also want you to remember that at the end of the day, it is your wellbeing that is the most important.
We all know how stressful exams can be and how they can negatively affect our wellbeing. As the Library, we try not only to support you in learning but also to support your wellbeing, especially at these times. Thus, we’ve put together some resources from the Library that you might find helpful when trying to escape your exams for a moment, get some well-deserved rest and gain the energy and strength to continue with your revisions and exams.
Listen to music
Did you know the Library offers you access to databases that allow you to listen to millions of songs from pop and rock to classical music? You can check them out here.
Visit our museum and art collections
While it’s not always possible to physically visit a museum or gallery, you can still do a lot of exploring of the University collections online. If you, however, have some time to physically go somewhere, we also recommend the National Museum of Scotland or the Scottish National Gallery. Both are free and within the walking distance of George Square! Remember that to visit Scottish National Gallery, you must book a ticket beforehand.
Enjoy a film or drama performance
You can access a wide range of TV programmes, documentaries, films, drama, and theatre performances through the Library. Check out what Box of Broadcasts (BoB) has to offer!
Read some fiction
Reading may be the perfect escape from your exams. Our databases give you access to millions of positions!
Meditate
Meditation is one of the best ways to relax. Have you tried mindfulness or spiritual meditation? Maybe now is the time to do so!
And if you feel stressed because you cannot get a seat in the main library, make sure to check out the additional study spaces available.
In my last post I shared six things I wish I’d known sooner about the Library. But there’s more to university life than studying! Even though in the depths of essay season you might feel like you should be paying rent to the Library staff rather than your landlord, when you’re working hard it’s important to remember to rest and play too! So here are five tips for taking care of yourself and enjoying your time at Edinburgh…
1. Get out and about
An evening swim at Portobello…
Edinburgh is one of the most stunning cities in the UK (I’m not at all biased). It is also one of the greenest cities – with more green space than any of the UK’s other big cities. We literally have a 650-acre Highland-esque landscape ten minutes’ walk from central campus… visit Holyrood Park if you haven’t already!
If you’re lucky enough to be living in the city during your studies, make the most of it. Grab a few pals and plan a hike up Blackford Hill after a big essay deadline – or a meander through the Meadows after a library session. Maybe even take a cold plunge at Portobello Beach before your morning tutorial. I found getting away from screens and into nature one of the best ways to rest and escape throughout my studies. Continue reading →
