We're here to support you to become the best independent learner you can be. Even before you arrive there are things you can do to get prepared and feel confident to start your new academic life.
It’s exciting to have the responsibility and freedom to delve deeper into a subject you love, but it may be daunting to learn in a way that is likely to be very different to how you’ve studied or worked before. It takes teamwork - your lecturers and programme team will support you to develop your knowledge and understanding, as well as the new study skills you’ll need. However, it’ll be your self-motivation, commitment and engagement that will help you to reach your full potential.
- Read your Programme Essentials for information about your course and how to prepare.
- Check out the University Handbook – this essential guide provides useful information and guidance on your academic life. It also gives you an explanation of the University’s codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Find out more about the type of study skills you may need to develop, from reflective writing to referencing, literature reviews to presentations. Our programmes have a strong emphasis on online independent learning, so you might want to practice your digital skills. You don’t have to wait until you arrive to start developing your understanding and preparing for your studies.
Each programme is different but is made up of mixture of face-to-face and online learning including:
- Lectures for everyone studying the module (these are likely to be smaller interactive lectures while social distancing measures are in place). Many are recorded so you can watch them again, view them online at home and take further notes.
- Seminars, workshops and other practicals, which are taught in smaller groups.
- Supporting activities, such as tutorials or skills sessions.
- Placements - if you are studying a professional body qualification this may involve placements.
- Learning materials which are made available by your lecturers via the virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
Outside of organised teaching, you’ll be expected to be:
- Researching via the Library and its digital online resources,
- Preparing for assignments,
- Working in groups,
- Developing your academic skills and graduate attributes including your digital capability.
We recommend that you have your own laptop computer as there will be lots of online resources, recorded lectures and activities for you to engage with, to support your independent learning, both on and off campus.
Your first step is to discuss any special equipment or software requirements with your programme to ensure you have what you need from the start.
- For most programmes, a Windows laptop is recommended with an Intel i5 processor with 8GB Ram.
- For creative arts programmes e.g. music or media related courses an Apple MacBook may be more appropriate.
- If you are studying computing or engineering subjects you may wish to consider a higher specification laptop to support your studies, for example an i7 processor with 16GB Ram.
Make sure your device has the latest system updates, anti-virus protection and is protected with a password or PIN code.
You can connect to free WiFi both on campus and in our accommodation. You’ll also get access to free software via our Student App Store.
However please note that only devices with the following operating systems can connect to the university WIFI: Microsoft Windows: 8.1, Windows 10 and RT 8.1, Apple Mac OS: 10.12 and newer, Linux OS: later versions supporting WPA2 Enterprise/AES encryption.
If you do not have a laptop, when on campus, there are many PCs and Apple Macs to use. You can also borrow a laptop while in the library and a small number of laptops are even available for 24hour loan, off campus use.
We are offering a long-term laptop loan scheme for students who are unable to access the right IT equipment for them to digitally engage with their programme. If you are worried about accessing essential IT equipment to support your studies please contact studentwellbeing@canterbury.ac.uk for advice and support.
Before you arrive, you can connect with a peer mentor via email to ask questions and find out more about studying at Christ Church.
Once you arrive, there’s plenty of academic support available via:
- Personal academic tutors
- Learning Skills Team
- Learning and research librarians
- Microsoft Office Skills Training
- Academic societies
Plus, a range of online resources including your Digital Library, Skills4Study and Productivity Software.
If you’re a postgraduate student, you’ll join the Graduate College: our diverse, dynamic and cohesive teaching and research community. This community provides a range of academic support, training opportunities and dedicated study spaces.
Check out some of our study spaces with our 360 Tour of Augustine House - from group rooms to the silent zone there is a space to suit everyone's different learning styles and moods.
Contact the i-zone