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Life Tools

Life Tools is online! Enrol on Life Tools Blackboard to find out details about the upcoming webinars.

Welcome to Life Tools, Learn>Develop>Succeed

The Life Tools programme is a series of free talks designed by experts to help you transition into university life and enhance your student experience. The programme allows you to be proactive and take control of your learning and your personal and professional development.

Take a look at the Life Tools 2021/22 programme to find out what topics are coming up. To find out more about the programme, listen to the Life Tools introduction webinar, or watch the video at the bottom of this page.

This year Life Tools will be delivered online (via Blackboard) and on campus, allowing as many students to attend as possible. Talks are around 50 minutes in duration, including time for questions about the topic. The programme is open to all students, with no need to book. Weekly emails will be sent via Life Tools on Blackboard (you will need to be logged into Blackboard to access this link), including strategies to manage studies. To receive updates, enrol on the Life Tools Blackboard (you will need to be logged into Blackboard to access this link).

Life Tools is also on Twitter and Instagram (Thursdays). Follow for talks, expert tips and advice.

Register for the upcoming Webinars

Event Location  Event Date and Time 
The learner’s mindset: preventing procrastination and preparing for exams
Online 
6 June, 13:30-14:00
Register now
(For Master's students) Overcoming writer's block (with Dr Sonia Hood, Study Advice) Online  6 June, 15:00-16:00 Register now

    Booking in-person and online talks

    Booking in-person talks

    1. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day.

    Booking online webinars

    1. To book click the link on the event title to book a place on the webinar.
    2. On the day we will send you an email with a link that will take you directly to the webinar on Blackboard.
    3. Please note the forms close at 09.30 on the day of the webinar. You can still join by going to the Life Tools module on Blackboard

    If you have any problems finding the link you can email: m.a.penabizama@reading.ac.uk. 

     

    Life Tools Certificate

    The Life Tools certificate will be recognised in the same way as the RED Award. The aim of the course is to provide some structure so that you can maintain your motivation and feel productive by developing habits that support your progress towards your academic and personal goals. 

    To obtain the Life Tools certificate, you must:

    • Attend 6 talks. Your department may be offering some of the talks as part of your course. Attending these will count towards the certificate too. To make the most of the programme, begin to apply the knowledge and strategies as soon as you have been to a talk so that you can identify what works for you.
    • Complete 6 modules on the Blackboard course. Each module has a screencast with a summary of the topics covered in the talk. There is also a worksheet so that you can reflect on your learning, and practice applying the strategies. 
    • Attend 2 group training sessions. This element of the programme gives you the opportunity to discuss what you have found when applying the knowledge and strategies. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers. The focus of the discussion will be on identifying what helps or hinders applying what you are learning, as well as having an opportunity to expand on your interest in the topics. 
    • Write a reflective piece (about 2 sides of A4). The purpose of this exercise is to reflect on what you have learned , your experience of applying the knowledge and strategies in a more consistent manner, and how you plan to take your learning experience into the future.

    How do I enrol on the Life Tools Certificate programme?

    To access online resources and receive updates you can enrol for the Life Tools course on Blackboard (you may need to sign into Blackboard first). Click the ‘Enrol’ button and then follow the instructions to get started.

     

    How to use Life Tools towards the Red Award and Life Tools certificate

    If you want Life Tools to count towards the Red Award or the Life Tools certificate, please ensure you sign into the webinars with your full name and you university email address.

    Feedback

    We would like to hear your feedback on the Life Tools programme. To give feedback please complete this survey  (5 mins).

    Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback.

    Get in contact

    If you have any questions or would like to suggest topics you are interested in, you can email talks@reading.ac.uk.

Life Tools 2021/22

They really helped give practical advice on how to be more organised, motivated, and to do well. They helped me to always feel like I was working on improving myself, not just improving academically." "Undertaking the interesting Life Tools programme has equipped me with an array of transferable skills, useful to me both professionally as well as personally. Be it from uncovering techniques to maintain my motivation, getting better sleep, or be it managing stress, I have been able to develop a full package of qualities, which will help me in University and when I leave.

Follow the Life Tools blog

If you want to learn how to study more effectively or pick up some information and strategies to prepare for exams, visit the Life Tools blog. You will find regular wellbeing tips, resources and information about Life Tools events throughout the term.
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