Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to make the most of Leeds Beckett resources
Hi I’m Erik, an Undergraduate Law student at Leeds Beckett University. As someone who has been using the university’s resources for the past two years, I would like to share how I make the most of them with you.
Whether you’re looking to find out how to make the most out of the resources offered such as the multiple libraries, workshops or study spaces, this blog will help provide you with all the tips, advice and tricks.
Make sure to explore all the options offered to you by Leeds Beckett as every resource is there to support your success.
Libraries
At Leeds Beckett, we’ve got two main libraries: the Sheila Silver Library and Headingley Library, plus the James Graham Building Library. The Sheila Silver Library is tucked away in the Leslie Silver Building on the City Campus, and it’s a goldmine for all your study needs. Whether you’re after books, journals, e-books, or online databases, it’s all there to help you with your revision and note-taking.
During my first year, this was my go-to spot whenever I needed to review my seminar or lecture slides. The vibe in the library is super friendly, and the staff are always ready to help with any questions you have—seriously, they made my life a lot easier!
When I need a quieter place to really buckle down for my end-of-year assignments, I head over to the Headingley Library. The campus is surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it a nice escape. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver, especially during exam season! Both libraries offer tons of services, giving you access to thousands of books for research, lectures, and seminars.
And let’s not forget about the James Graham Building Library. It’s a lifesaver when you need to borrow a spare laptop or some camera gear. I was really grateful for this when my laptop broke right before an essay was due, and I was able to borrow a spare to finish my work.
Study spaces beyond the library
There are plenty of great study spots beyond just the libraries. One of my favourites is the student lounge in the Rose Bowl. I love it because it’s super spacious and you get these amazing views from the higher floors. It’s also conveniently close to the café in the canteen area, which is perfect for grabbing a coffee or snack while you get your head down for some revision between classes.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot to focus, check out the study area in the Broadcasting Place building. It’s a great choice if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s less crowded, filled with natural light, and has that nice, peaceful vibe that makes it easy to concentrate.
Workshops and support services
Leeds Beckett offers a bunch of academic skills workshops designed to help us improve in our studies. I went to a writing workshop in my first year, and it really helped me level up my essay writing skills. We covered different writing techniques and how to reference sources properly. It boosted my confidence big time, especially for my assignments and my essay-based exams at the end of the term. Honestly, I can say that workshop made a difference in my final scores!
Online resources
Leeds Beckett offers online portals for us to log in and take advantage of, one of which is MyBeckett.
For me, this is a daily essential as it helps manage and keep up to date with all my seminar and lecture content along with the required reading content, possible assignments, not to mention important exam date deadlines and chances at resitting exams.
Finding your flow
The best way to make the most out of the resources at Leeds Beckett is by managing your time well. Try to spread out your study sessions across different spaces and resources—it’ll help boost both your productivity and the quality of your work. For instance, I set aside certain days for quiet, focused library time and others for more energetic study spots like the collaborative working spaces or The Hive.
That said, don’t hesitate to switch things up and explore other resources, even if it means breaking your routine. You might discover something new that works better for you.
And if you need to, ask for help! Whether it’s your teachers, staff, or classmates, people are always happy to lend a hand — sometimes even before you ask. In the long run, you’ll realise that saving time and avoiding confusion often comes down to asking a quick question.
My ultimate advice is to take advantage of all the library facilities, online resources and study spaces for your own personal gain. From experience, I can tell you that it helps improve your academic experience along with your achievements which will only benefit you in the long term.
