Fresh Start 2026 at your Libraries
Refresh your skills, try something new and secure your space in our latest workshops.
Second semester brings you a second opportunity to progress in your studies. With the help of our wide range of Library workshops, services and resources, you can set yourself up for success.
Workshops, events and support.
Made a resolution to stay more focused this semester? The Writing Space in the Laidlaw Library Skills Space (ground floor) reopens from 26 January, with trained academic writing mentors, quiet writing spaces and a motivational environment. There’s no need to book, just come along and get writing! The Writing Space runs every weekday between 1–4pm during teaching weeks.
Want to boost your digital skills and strengthen your CV but not sure where to begin? Take the digital capabilities assessment to identify areas for improvement, then book a Skills@Library workshop to develop those skills.
Skills@Library workshops resume from 26 January, offering targeted support for essential academic skills such as referencing, note making, statistics and academic writing.
Get Creative
Take some time to unwind post exam and deadline season – explore a new hobby with the libraries!
All day Sketch Club
Join the Galleries 10am to 5pm in The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery for their free sketch club. Whether you can stay for ten minutes or want to keep drawing all day, Sketch Club is open to everyone and all materials will be provided. This is a self-led activity. No need to book in advance – just turn up and draw!
Library Makerspace
Located on Level 9 of the Edward Boyle Library, our Makerspace is open for all your creative ventures.
Fancy upcycling a pair of old jeans using our sewing machines, or laser cutting a keyring so you don’t lose your keys (again)? The Makerspace has a range of equipment that can be borrowed and used by all students, no matter your course. All you need to do is book an induction session to get to grips with the equipment.
The Makerspace workshops resume from 15 January.
Streaming subscriptions
Take time to relax and don’t forget that using your University email gives you access to different streaming platforms such as BFI player and Kanopy.
We also have a range of fiction and non-fiction books and audiobooks available on the go with Overdrive and Libby for those of you working towards a reading challenge this year!
Refresh your skills with key resources
Whatever stage you’re at in your academic journey, we have an online resource for you to get a fresh start with your academic skills.
First year
Get off to a Flying Start! Find out about the skills you need at university and how it differs from what you’ve done before.
Second year
Step up to second year. Build on the skills you developed in first year and get to grips with study techniques for Second Year Success.
Third year
Tackle your final year project or dissertation. Our comprehensive guide takes you through all the stages of your Final Chapter at university.
Masters
Step up to Masters and equip yourself with the academic skills you need to progress to the postgraduate level.
New to the University of Leeds?
Get advice from current students about academic expectations and the shift to independent learning, how to navigate the city, and what an average day in the life of a Leeds student looks like from our ‘Flying Start’ podcasts.
Don’t forget to check out the Library Trading Cards to get to know your four campus libraries. These are available at each library’s front desk from Monday 26 January 2026 whilst stocks last.
If you’re a new postgraduate researcher, make sure to attend the PGR Meet and Greet taking place on Wednesday 11 February, 10am to 12pm in the Postgraduate Common Room, Level 12 Ziff Building.
The Libraries are here to help
Remember that we have all your required reading books in stock either online or physically in our libraries. If you have any questions about the support available, just ask a member of staff or contact us on Webchat.
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Let’s make the most of semester two and get a Fresh Start in your Libraries!
