Academic skills support
Find out what services and support the library offers to boost your academic and study skills.
Get support with your studies and research
Studying for your degree can be challenging and exciting as you discover new knowledge and develop new skills, such as critical thinking. However, there are also times when you may feel outside your comfort zone and in need of some help and advice.
The library provides access to a wide range of academic skills support including:
- referencing
- finding subject information
- study skills
- academic writing
- maths and statistics
You can book a library appointment to meet with a Library Student Mentor or member of staff between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday via our booking form at: librarybookings.ntu.ac.uk
If you have any queries, please contact the Library via libinfodirect@ntu.ac.uk
PhD students can also get assistance from their Open Research Consultant.
Please note, we are unable to proofread student work.
Library lunchtime learning workshops
Discover more and pick up some useful hints and tips on how to approach your studies and develop your skills. Our workshops cover a wide variety of topics, including referencing, critical thinking, punctuation, as well as dealing with maths and stats.
Happening every weekday through term, over the lunchtime period, on campus and via Microsoft Teams, our workshops are practical, and give you the opportunity to try and to ask things. Check our schedule to see what’s on, and book your place online.
You can also access online courses via LinkedIn learning that cover a wide range of topics from professional skills and using specific software, through to time management and research skills.
For specific help and advice email: libinfodirect@ntu.ac.uk
Knowledge Boosters
We understand that Foundation level, international and mature students may feel less confident about their studies. With this in mind, we'd like to invite you to take part in a student booster scheme that will help you prepare to succeed.
Visit the Knowledge Booster area of the Academic Skills and Knowledge (ASK) Hub in NOW to learn more. Complete a brief form and book your first of three Knowledge Booster appointments with a Library Student Mentor – it’s that simple!
Library Student Mentors are second and final year undergraduates or postgraduate students, and they know what it’s like to be starting at university. The appointments will be 100% personalised to help you boost the academic skills or maths and statistics you need to feel confident. No question is too big or too small!
Library Student Mentor Appointments
Do you have a specific question or problem that you're struggling with? Book an appointment for a one-to-one conversation with one of our Library Student Mentors.
Library Student Mentors are 2nd and final year undergraduates, and postgraduate students, and their job is to help you with academic skills, such as writing, or maths and stats. Our mentors come from subject areas taught and researched across the University and can advise how to approach your work by using their own experiences as students.
What do they offer?
Shared Experience
Your Library Student Mentors are students – they have been in the same place as you.
Safe Space
There’s no such thing as a silly question - Library Student Mentors will listen without judgement to your questions and provide you with practical advice.
100% Personalised
You can book a 1-2-1 appointment to talk about the specific thing that’s on your mind about studying, whether it’s structuring a paragraph, using Excel, or getting tips on how to understand what your assignments are asking you to do.
Book an appointment to see one of our mentors, make sure you check the information about them (select the little 'i' icon on the booking form by their name) so you can talk to the most appropriate Library Student Mentor for your question.
Library Student Mentor Drop-ins
Do you have a quick question, or need instant support? Our Library Student Mentors are on hand to support you with academic skills and maths and stats queries Monday-Friday at Boots (City), Clifton and Brackenhurst libraries. Ask at the Information Desk in the library for times or check out the signs in the Knowledge Cafés at Boots and Clifton libraries.
Further Support
English language support
International students seeking one-to-one writing support can book an appointment by email, or by contacting the language centre for further information.
Dyslexia support
The Dyslexia Support Team can be contacted by email.
Mental health
If studies are being affected by a mental health issue, please contact the Mental Health Team via email, or call +44 (0)115 848 2085 for advice and support.