Why I love the University of Huddersfield Library
Jennifer Wilson
English Literature with Creative Writing BA(hons)
Hi, I’m Jenny and I’m a mature student here at Huddersfield. My favorite place on campus is the library. Read on to find out why.
Making the most of your time - 9 to 5
When I was researching about coming to university as a mature student, I heard someone say that they treated university like working a 9-5 job. They explained that the days they were in university, they would ‘put a full day’s work in’. They meant that they come in early and stay late and go to the library to study. It was a perfect way to make the most of their time and resources.
Most importantly it gave them a separation between home and university, which helped them not only stay on top of their work but gave them the free time at home to care for their family and do the things they enjoy.
The library is an amazing place
This advice always stuck with me, and I follow this advice most of the time I’m in university. I honestly don't think I could do this if the library wasn't such an amazing place.
First and foremost, I think one of the biggest reasons I love going to the library is the other students. I find it inspiring to be around so many people who are hard at work studying. It really motivates me to get my head down and crack on with my work.
The staff are also brilliant. Always easily available to give advice and guidance. They do a fantastic job of keeping the shelves well stocked and organised. Making sure books or journals are easy to find and just keeping the place running smoothly.
Great books on the shelves and online
Each subject has a dedicated area in the library and my subject area has the most amazing selection of books. There is always a good selection of books available to help me when I am researching for assignments or presentations. The reading lists we are given are linked to the library catalogue, so they are always very easy to find.
As well as physical books and resources, the digital library is fantastic. Summon* is one of the greatest resources for any student. I love the vast array of resources that it gives you when you do a quick search, and you get a mixture of results from books, journals, newspaper and magazine articles. I love having a vast array of sources in my assignments as it gives so many interesting points of view.
I highly recommend checking out the electronic resources section of the library website, where there is additional electronic resources related to my subject matter. For my course, I have been able to use Box of Broadcasts to watch TV adaptations of novels and Digital Theatre +, where I have been able to watch theatre productions of the plays I have studied.
Facilities at your fingertips
I also love the facilities. If I need to borrow a laptop for a class, it is easy to borrow one from the lockers in the foyer of the library. If I want to use a computer there is always one available, after all there are more than 500 of them. There is always a printer close by, with one swipe of my student card, I can print off anything I need.
The ideal study space, whatever the task
I really like that within the library building there are so many different areas to study in, each one meeting whatever need you have that day. Want to study with friends? Then book a group study room. Got an assignment that you need to concentrate on? Go to the silent study areas. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Check out the calm zone where you can relax and take some time for yourself.
Feeling thirsty and peckish while studying? Then you can go along to Scholars’ Rest for a drink or a snack. I particularly like this area when I have set texts to read. After all, who doesn’t like coffee and chocolate when they are reading a novel?
To make the most of your time at Huddersfield, I highly recommend any student gets to know the library and the resources it offers you. I promise you won't regret it.
*Since this blog was written, Summon has been updated to Library Search (library.hud.ac.uk)
Which University?
Read more articles from current students at Huddersfield describing how they chose their course and why.
Student life in Huddersfield
What is life like as a student in Huddersfield? Hear it straight from our current students as they write about their student experience.