Studying & learning
Learning at Lincoln
Learning at A-Level or B-TEC and learning at university are vastly different things. Understanding the different teaching methods and expectations can make you feel more prepared and help take the pressure off.
Understand the different formats of lessons – Seminars, workshops, lectures and practicals are all different and will entail different modes of learning. Do some research into which of these your course uses and how that will affect how you prepare for each lesson.
Getting used to independent study – They say university is mainly studying on your own, and this is true. Whilst you do have support from lecturers, you will be expected to do your own research and come up with your own ideas and questions in discussions.
Understand assessments – A lot of courses have a mixture of ways you will be assessed. From exams to coursework, portfolios to group projects, knowing which of these is used on your course is useful. If you know you are weaker in a particular area, practice it or dedicate a bit more time to it, to put yourself in the best position to succeed.
Becki Morgan-Phillips – 3rd Year Communications and Public Relations
Online learning
With a blended approach to learning you will be required to use a variety of different digital tools and software to fully engage with your studies.
A wide variety of help and support is available in the use of these tools.
Microsoft Suite
Digital tools
Postgraduate study
Studying at postgraduate level is a big step up from undergraduate, however it is very rewarding. Make sure you are prepared with tips and advice from current students.
The Library
Getting used to the amount of independent study that comes with university life can be a challenge, but the University Library services offer all the support you could possibly need.
If I could give you one piece of advice, whether it’s your first year or your final year, use the Library services as much as you can. They are there for you!
Natalie Read-Bone – MA Journalism Graduate
Referencing guides
One of the cornerstones of academic writing is learning how to reference correctly. It is super important to know what style of referencing your course uses, and you can find this out on your course BlackBoard site or by asking your course leader. When you reference properly you are also protecting yourself from the academic offence of plagiarism, which can have serious academic consequences. You can download easy to follow, instructional referencing guides from the Library website. Print copies are also available at the Library Information Desks.
Writing development
If academic writing is something that you struggle with, or there is one assignment that you can’t seem to tackle, then you can access one-to-one help through the Library. Their writing development sessions provide you with all the tools you need to succeed. They can support you with understanding and planning your assignments, creating academic and critical arguments, as well as strategies for editing and proofreading.
M.A.S.H
M.A.S.H is all about supporting students with their maths and statistics needs. Whether you’re stuck on a specific problem, or you just want some guidance on how to improve your maths and stats skills, the M.A.S.H advisers are there for you. Similar to writing development, these one to one sessions are currently running remotely and can be booked online. If you don’t need an appointment but would like to learn more, the M.A.S.H page on the Library website is packed with helpful and informative resources for you to access whenever you want.
Reading lists
Your online reading lists provide information on, and access to, the reading recommended by your tutors.
Visit this guide to find out how to find your reading list, accessing items on your list and why some things are not available electronically.
Academic Subject Librarians
Each subject area has their own librarian who is dedicated to help students get the most from their Library experience. They offer further guidance on how to use the Library, learning development workshops, individual research sessions and much more. You can find out who your academic librarian is, and access your subject guide by selecting your degree here.
ICT help & support
To enable you to make the most out of your experience in Lincoln and to help you access course materials and other services, it is recommended that you have a desktop, laptop or tablet device available during your studies. This will enable you to engage easily with the online learning platforms from your student accommodation or from home.
Students can use IT equipment on campus in the Library, our learning lounges, and specialist academic areas; however, there may not always be a space free when you have a timetabled session or an assessment to complete which is why we recommend you have your own device too if possible. If you are struggling to access IT equipment or reliable internet services, please contact ICT for technical support and Student Support who can assist you with further advice and information.
ICT checklist
PC requirements
For most courses, you are going to want a device with…
- A 1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core processor
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 GB of available disk space
- If you prefer them, most recent Macs and MacBooks will also be suitable
- We also recommend having a webcam and microphone for use in online seminars and lectures
Depending on your course, a more powerful device may be useful, so it’s worth considering your personal needs before making a purchase. But remember, the University has a range of suitable equipment for use on-campus if needed. Most students will be using Office 365, so a device that can run these programs would be ideal.
Anti-virus
The Acceptable Use Policy requires that effective virus protection measures are implemented to prevent the introduction and propagation of malicious software, such as viruses or similar threats on any ICT Resource.
For users of the University’s Corporate Desktop (On-campus machines) anti-virus software will be installed and updated automatically and they need take no further action.
For personal devices, users may choose to use any reputable package that is available. However, it’s worth noting that the University can provide Sophos Endpoint Security and Control free of charge to staff and students. It may be installed on both institutionally and personally owned computers. However, you must immediately remove this software when you cease to be a member of staff or a student at the University of Lincoln.
Sophos is available to download for free at this link (SharePoint): https://universityoflincoln.sharepoint.com/sites/ICT/ICTadminproc/ITPurchases/Software/Sophos/SitePages/Home.aspx
Free software
After you enrol you will have access to a range of free software like Office 365, Sophos Anti-virus and some courses have access to the Adobe suite.
What comes with Office 365:
Free access to software on Office 365 online (and downloadable):
- Outlook
- OneDrive (unlimited storage space)
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- OneNote
- SharePoint
- Teams
Students can also download mobile versions of the above applications (e.g. Teams, OneDrive, Outlook) from their respective app stores and sign in with their University of Lincoln account.
What not to bring
You are not going to want to bring, Smart Watches, Wireless Printers, Alexa devices, Chromecasts or any Google home devices as they are incompatible with the University network. Chromebooks are also not recommended as they have compatibility issues with a lot of software.
Disability support
Personalised Academic Study Support (PASS)
Personalised Academic Study Support is specific to the University of Lincoln and can be created for any student who has suitable evidence of a diagnosed disability. It is a document that both you and your school receive that details specific academic support areas, including examination requirements.
Support can include a mentor, the ability to use a laptop in exams, extra time or rest breaks in exams, the ability to sit exams in a separate room, deadline extensions, and short-term counselling. Your course tutors will also be made aware of your LSP.
Evidence must clearly detail your diagnosis and include information on how this affects your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. It must also include specific reference to how it impacts your ability to fully engage with your academic studies. A PASS plan can be created if you have suitable evidence for a disability, mental health condition, impairment or specific learning difference (such as dyslexia or dyspraxia). They cannot be created for short-term injury or illness.
Katie – 2nd Year History
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance (or DSA) provides extra help for students who have a diagnosed disability which may cause them difficulty with fully engaging in all elements of their academic studies.
Personally, DSA has been hugely helpful for me, and I have been given a printer, software (for recording lectures, reading texts to me, a speech-to-text converter and easier on-screen reading), a bed desk and the ability to use a laptop in exams.
You can get help with the costs of:
- Specialist equipment, e.g. a computer (if you’re assessed as needing one and do not already have one; for a new computer, you’ll need to pay the first £200)
- Non-medical helpers, e.g. a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
- Extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability
- Other disability-related study support, e.g. having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading
Katie – 2nd Year History
