Need to study? Look no further than UOW library

As a first year university student, Wikipedia, Google, and last minute study sessions at your local library won’t be enough. This is where the UOW library steps in.

UOW library makes access to knowledge seem endless!

The UOW library is a suitable study environment away from home, without the distractions of TV or a fridge. Apart from UOW library’s extensive half a million book and DVD collection, first year students are offered a range of study facilities designed to maximise academic potential.

Everyone learns differently, which is why the UOW library offers both quiet study and talking levels. Newly-refurbished group study rooms on level 2 feature LCD screens and whiteboards. The entire building is wireless enabled, and bringing your own laptop is encouraged. A stand-out facility is ‘Book a Librarian’, where library staff will assist students for half-an-hour to locate important journal articles and research material, crucial for passing any assignment.

A must for all first year students is the compulsory StartSmart program, which quizzes and teaches students on the UOW library and introduces them to academic journals and scholarly practises. For more information, visit http://www.uow.edu.au/student/services/fye/resources/startsmart/index.html

Ainsley Lynch (above) encourages students to take advantage of UOW library's study facilities

Ainsley Lynch, UOW library’s promotions and partnerships coordinator, encourages first year students to take advantage of the library’s extensive facilities and stresses “if you have a problem, ask!”

“At home, you can access online, but if you suddenly realise something that is physically in the library, like a DVD or book, you can get it,” she said.

“There are also services available like the research and information desk. I think having that help on hand is good.”

If you can’t stay on-campus to study, don’t panic! The ‘Ask a Librarian’ online service allows students to seek help with locating important research material by emailing queries to library staff. Many of the library’s resources are also available online.

To learn more about UOW library: http://www-library.uow.edu.au/uowlibraries/UOW085197.html

Services for undergraduates: http://www-library.uow.edu.au/services/UOW026549.html

The Library – A Student’s Perspective: http://www-library.uow.edu.au/facilities/UOW072906.html

Nothing negative about it: UOW clubs and societies

For off-campus students, the idea of establishing a new solid social network in a place away from your hometown may be frustrating and even daunting. Solution: join a UOW club or society.

UOW C&S’s are a great way to meet new people, share interests, and learn new skills and talents during your studies while actively contributing to the diverse culture of UOW.

There are currently 62 UOW C&S’s, and each one is a different as the next. Feeling humanitarian? Groups such as Amnesty International or the Red Cross Club could be just for you. Think university should be all fun and games? Try out the Guild Gaming Society or the University Poker League. And for those who like to party, look no further than the Barney Stinson Appreciation Society!

UOW Debating Society president Pariz Lythgo (left) and secretary Kelli Maree-Michael (2nd from left) with Wollongong High students

UOW C&S’s regularly hold social functions within UOW and many give you the chance to develop skills that either employers  look for in a resume or which go well with your studies. The UOW Debating Society is no exception, recently the organisers’ of the ‘Great Drunk vs. Sober Debate’ and the UOW Interschool Debating Competition. Pariz Lythgo, president of the UOW Debating Society, says she has benefited from her experience and says joining a club or society can be “both fun and rewarding.”

“I believe that students can really enhance their university experience by engaging more with other like-minded students and with the campus as a whole,” she said.

“What I love most about the debating society is the fact that students have the opportunity to engage with each other on controversial issues in society.”

For a full list of UOW C&S’s, visit http://unicentre.uow.edu.au/getinvolved/clubs/UOW031780.html

If you would like to learn more about CSE and the services they provide to go to http://unicentre.uow.edu.au/getinvolved/index.htm or download their fact sheet: http://unicentre.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@unic/@csd/documents/web/uow100927.pdf