Welcome to our third newsletter. This edition focuses on the learning environment and studying at Queen Mary. If you missed our previous two emails on welcoming you to the QMUL community and what to do before you arrive, and on money, support and opportunities, then you can access them here. Keep an eye out for your final pre-arrival email next week on what to expect from Welcome Week.

Remember to take a look at your before you arrive checklist on the new students' site to help you plan for your arrival at Queen Mary.

Access and opening times

There are three state-of-the-art libraries for you to use across the QMUL campuses, each with outstanding resources for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Mile End Library is a large multi-disciplinary library, Whitechapel Library holds medical and dental material, and West Smithfield Library holds medical material. Mile End Library will be open 24 hours a day from the first day of Welcome Week 2017, and opening times for the other libraries can be found here.

There's lots of information available about using the library on our new students' site, including access and membership matters, borrowing basics, e-resources, and using the PCs, printing and photocopying facilities. You can access the reading lists for your programme here, and library tours are also available to introduce you to the library facilities when you arrive.

Study spaces

As well as the libraries, you can make use of a range of study spaces across our campuses. Check out where our current students told us their favourite study spots are. You also have access to a number of other libraries off campus as a QMUL student.

Self-directed learning 

Self-directed learning is an important part of university-level study, and could be different from other forms of learning you may have experienced prior to coming to university. It involves taking responsibility for your own learning, identifying your own learning goals and strategies, finding your own study resources and engaging in independent study – this refers to the time you spend working outside of lecture and seminar hours, including background reading, essay writing, preparation for seminars and tutorials, and so on.

Study skills

The Study Skills Collection at Mile End Library provides resources to develop key skills to help in your transition to university-level study. It contains books and other resources covering subjects such as general study skills, exam skills, public speaking and presentations, and research and thesis/dissertation writing.

Writing and study guidance

Our Learning Development team offers writing and study guidance on a one-to-one or small group basis, as well as organising writing workshops and retreats throughout the year. They also have a number of self-access resources for you to use on exams and revision, referencing authors and sources in your work, and writing in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) subjects.

Language Centre

Our Language Centre is available to help you improve your language skills. It provides resources to improve your academic English and information on adjusting to UK study if you are an international student.

In-sessionals

We offer a wide range of in-sessional modules which can help you to maximise your performance at university and improve the quality of your academic assignments. If you are an international student, and English is not your first language, then these modules are suitable for you. Students who have English as their first language also find they benefit from the academic skills that these modules develop.

The QMUL Model

From this academic year, we're introducing the QMUL Model as part of all our degree programmes. This innovative new approach provides the opportunity for you to develop a range of skills as part of your degree and will broaden opportunities available to you. Our QMUL Model modules – which count towards approximately 10 per cent of your degree – are built into your curriculum, so you don't need to worry about finding extra time outside your normal timetable. Find out more here.

IT access information

Keep an eye out for an email from Queen Mary with information on your QMUL account details, including username, password and QMUL email address. If you have not yet received this information then this should be arriving shortly – please also remember to check junk folders in case it is sent there. These details will be required to access IT services at Queen Mary, including your PC user account, emails and QMplus.

QMplus

QMplus is QMUL’s virtual learning environment and is used by your School or Institute to provide detailed information about your course and specific modules. Many Schools and Institutes require you to submit your work electronically through QMplus, so make sure you are familiar with the site by reading through the information provided for students.