By: Chloe Nyugen
We’ve all been there before: overwhelmed, excited and confused all at once as a first-year student. Between adjusting to a new campus, figuring out how to balance academics, and making new friends, it can be a lot. But trust me, using the library and accessing essential resources early on can make a huge difference in how you navigate your studies.
Hey everyone, I’m Chloe, your student success mentor at York University Libraries, and here are four tips I wish someone had shared with me when I first started university.
1. Find Your Go-To Study Spot Early
Believe it or not, exploring the libraries was one of the first things I did when I got to York. There’s something unexplainable about the feeling of finding that perfect study spot where you can focus and feel productive. The libraries have tons of different spaces, from silent study zones to more relaxed areas where you can collaborate with your friends.
I personally love study sessions with my friends in the group study rooms, where we can discuss things together—deadlines, upcoming projects, the latest episode of that movie we are all watching, etc.—without bothering others! Take some time to walk around the library branches on your favourite campus to find your spot. Trust me, it’ll become your second home when exams come around!
2. Take Advantage of Research Help
Research projects can be intimidating, especially if you're not used to the amount of information out there. I remember my first big research assignment, there were so many components to the assignment that I didn’t even know where to start! That’s when I discovered the library’s Research Help Services.
Whether you’re stuck on finding academic sources or need help organizing your research, the research help team are here to guide you. You can also use the library’s help desk and drop-in services to get advice on how to find and use the right materials for your assignments. This was a game-changer for me when I was feeling lost with my first few projects. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance—the research assistants love to help!
3. Stay Organized with Library Workshops and Tools
First year is all about learning how to stay on top of things. The library offers workshops on essential skills like citation, academic integrity, and effectively using generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Don’t worry, library workshops aren’t boring lectures, they provide practical strategies with hands-on training that you can implement in your work right away. Plus, they help you navigate the academic path with confidence.
I highly recommend checking out what workshops are available each semester. They cover a range of topics that can really help boost your academic performance and confidence.
4. Ask Questions: We’ve All Been There
It’s okay not to have all the answers. When I first started, I was hesitant to ask for help because I thought I would be able to figure everything out on my own. But here's the truth: you’re not supposed to know everything on day one. The library staff, including mentors like me, are here to support you every step of the way. I love when students reach out with questions, whether it's about how to find resources or just general advice on how to study better. Asking questions doesn’t make you look clueless, it shows that you’re proactive and invested in your success.
Your first year is a fresh start, and the library is here to make that journey smoother. From resources like workshops and Mentors that help you boost your academic skills, to comfortable spaces that help those long study sessions feel less daunting, everything you need is at your fingertips. I’ve seen students transform their study habits, boost their grades, and feel more confident all by simply using what the library has to offer.
So, get started right. Find your favourite space, use the tools available, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
I’m rooting for you, and I can’t wait to see you succeed. You’ve got this!