Bristol SU interviews the Student Advocates
At Bristol SU, we understand that university can be difficult especially during the fast-approaching deadline and exam seasons!
But here’s some good news, did you know that the University has an amazing department called Study Skills. Their resources and staff are here to support you over these tricky assessment periods and throughout your time at University. 📚
One of the highlights in Study Skills is their team of friendly Student Advocates who are available to offer peer-to-peer support for students! 🙋♂️
Whether it’s tackling academic challenges, managing your time, or building essential study habits, these Student Advocates really understand what it’s like to be a student!
They are here to help you! 🤗
This week, Gurvin and Mia your Full-Time Postgraduate and Undergraduate Education Officers sat down with three Student Advocate volunteers to understand more about the support on offer!
The Student Advocate Volunteers who are here to help you!
Firstly, can you introduce yourselves and what courses you do?
“My name is Ryan, and I am a PhD student in Mathematics. I normally host drop-in sessions for students, and I also help run sessions at the coding club.”
“Hi, I'm Jakub. So, I do Economics and Management, here at the University of Bristol. I am in my second year with plans on doing a year abroad next year, hopefully to South Korea.”
“Hello, I'm Jiamiao a PhD student doing English literature. I have worked as a tutor on some English Literature modules, and I'm very interested in helping students how to write essays by sharing my experiences.”
So, what is Study Skills and where can we find you?
“Study skills is run by a team of Student Advocate Volunteers like us, and tutors. As Student Advocates we run workshops on time management, note taking, revision classes. We also have a drop-in desk here in Senate House on the 2nd floor.”, said Ryan
The Student Advocates run daily drop-ins from Room 2.09 and here you can ask for tips on studying, staying on top of your work and so much more from fellow students!
“I think what students value most about Study Skills is the peer support element, we are all students, and we really understand what students go through. Some students find it hard to talk to their tutors about this kind of thing.” Jakub went on to say.
Jakub also added that the resources on the Study Skills website are great; “We have a bunch of articles on studying that can help you, interactive quizzes and more. So even if its outside of drop-in hours students can access some support.”
What kind of problems do students come to Study Skills with and how do you help them?
“I help advise students how to take notes in lectures and how to manage their time. A lot of students struggle to manage their studies alongside work and social activites, so they come to study skills to learn how to block out time and focus.”
I also help students find a place to study, we have a lot of spaces on campus, but not many students know about them all!”, said Jakub
Jiamiao also added that a lot of the problems that students come to her with is to do with essay writing; “A lot of students who do a STEM degree struggle with writing essays or papers, but as part of their degree its expected. I can offer up my experiences to help these students with critical writing and how to express themselves.”
Ryan recently helped a student who visited to the drop in desk, and he helped them start writing a Law essay.
“It really helped the student because it was just like two friends talking - which is often a really nice way to get started”
“We are here to help students find the study skills resources and after speaking to us many come away feeling a lot more confident.”
Jakub added to Ryans point by saying; “Also I do a lot of signposting in the drop-in sessions. But no problem is too small, I often help students navigate blackboard, find university resources or even things like finding their tutors office hours.”
Thank you, Jiamiao, Ryan and Jakub for your insights!
You can check out all the Study Skills resources here!
Your Full-Time Officers Mia and Gurvin are currently working with the University to make the study support available even better!
Most notably Mia is working with the Research and Insights team at Bristol SU to better understand how students use feedback from assignments. The aim is to use this data to better inform feedback practices across the university, so you know how to improve on past work!
You can also watch the video Mia and Gurvin filmed with Study Skills around the use of AI for assessments here!
