Where and how you choose to study

Study space / study place

A ‘sense of place’ can be defined as an emotional attachment to a particular geographical and/or physical space. Some students, for example, have told us they always try to sit in the same place when using the physical libraries because they feel that’s where they study best. During the pandemic some of us felt a loss of place when communal buildings, such as libraries, were closed.

For virtual spaces to have a sense of place in the way physical spaces inherently do, there is an argument that suggests connections and interactions need to be made, which create a form of ‘presence’. David White, Dean of Academic Strategy (Online) at the University of the Arts London has written about presence, place and space within the higher education context.

Virtual study

Advancements in technology and unforeseen events like the pandemic have helped to evolve the ways we study virtually. While on-campus learning remains a central aspect of university life, many students are opting for remote learning methods to complement their study time - for many and varied reasons:

· Flexibility: virtual learning enables students to balance studies with work, family commitments, or other important elements of their life;

· Accessibility: for those living far from campus, or facing mobility challenges, online platforms offer an accessible alternative to physical attendance;

· Learning Preferences: some students find that they learn better in a quiet, personal space rather than in a communal, public setting.

So, how can students study effectively virtually, while still benefiting from the resources the Library has to offer?

Virtual studying might imply that students can miss out on the social interaction and the rich physical resources of the university library. However, with the right strategies, virtual study can still be enriching:

Digital Library Resources: the Library offers an extensive range! These include e-books, academic journals and research databases. Familiarise yourself with our digital resources and utilise them whenever you can.

Establish a Routine: without the structure of a physical timetable, it's crucial to have a routine. It’s useful to set aside specific times in your schedule for studying, attending online lectures, and completing assignments.

Create a Conducive Study Environment: try to curate a quiet, comfortable spot at home that resembles a library-like setting, if possible. This helps in maintaining focus and mimicking the atmosphere of a campus study environment.

Engage in Virtual Study Groups: loneliness can be a downside of virtual learning. Participating in online study groups or discussion forums can create a sense of community and foster collaborative learning. Services like FocusMate, StudyStream, StudyTogether and apps such as TikTok or the hashtag #studywithme all provide ways of for people to study together, virtually.

Utilise Online Support Services: The Library provides virtual support services, including chat (24/7), email and phone options. Make use of these services to stay connected and supported while working away from campus.

As learning and technologies move forward, the blend of virtual and physical study seems not just inevitable but also beneficial to all of our personal study journeys, offering the best of both worlds to the diverse needs of our student community here at Leeds Beckett.

We're always keen to hear about your views and experiences of studying at Leeds Beckett. Please contact Debbie Morris or Jenny Morgan if you would like to share your thoughts.