Academic Skills Service runs an in-person, drop-in service to advise students on all aspects of academic skills.

The Service supports students in their transition to higher education and throughout their time at University to develop the academic skills needed to succeed, helping students develop their writing proficiency, build mathematical & statistical knowledge and improve their study skills.

Throughout the semester, they run Writing Cafes, Academic Skills Drop-Ins, and other events which are informal, safe spaces allowing you to make progress on your work with support available from the Academic Skills Service.

Learn about events to support your studies

• Drop-ins are held in the Academic Skills Hub in Hartley Library. Speak to a specialist advisor for up to 20 minutes: no booking required.

Study Skills Drop-In

• What can we chat about? Any aspect of your study skills needs (such as time management, critical thinking, assignment planning, understanding feedback, editing, group work, presentations, or exam prep).
• When? Tuesdays and Thursdays (1pm-4pm).

Maths and Stats Drop-In

• What can we chat about? Any queries on maths and statistics (such as key concepts, statistical analysis, software, gathering data, applying theory, or data visualisations).
• When? Wednesdays (2pm-4pm).

Writing Drop-In

• What can we chat about? Any writing-related topics (such as structure, critical analysis, source synthesis, argumentation, actioning feedback, or navigating how you plan and stay on track).
• When? Fridays (2pm-4pm).

Academic Skills Hub can provide advice and guidance to students on a variety of study skills areas including time management, writing skills, critical thinking, exam preparation, presentation skills, and notetaking.

The staff can provide advice and suggestions on aspects of academic writing such as critical analysis, structure, different assignment types and genres, planning, writing styles and understanding feedback.

It can support with mathematical and statistical skills including understanding key concepts, overcoming maths anxiety, application of theory, exam preparation, gathering data, relevant statistical analysis and software support including SPSS and Excel.

Click on the picture below for a short video showing you how to find the Academic Skills Service in Hartley Library:

• What assignments will I have this semester?
• Do I need help with any aspects of my academic writing?
• How confident am I with my maths skills?

How to find the Academic Skills Service – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library

Academic Skills Hub website: Home – Academic Skills Service – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)

Contact information for the Academic Skills Hub: Home – Contact and book – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)

This Assignment Planner is a step-by-step guide to help you plan, organise and find the resources you need to complete individual assignments. You can save your work and return to the planner at any time.

This Dissertation Planner is a step-by-step guide to help you write a dissertation from starting to think about your question through to final submission. At each stage you will find useful tips and support.

Anna McCann, University of Southampton, (March 2025; updated in August 2026).