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Author: Amy Edwards

Exam and Take-home assessment support

We know lots of you are currently doing or preparing for exams or take-home assessments or working on final assignments, so we just wanted to remind you of all the support that’s available for all students.  

Our  Wellbeing and Mental Health team can help you with a wide range of issues including exam and academic stress. You can book an appointment with one of our Student Wellbeing Advisers to discuss your concerns in-person, on the phone or online. Email studentservices@chester.ac.uk or visit Portal to find out more. 

Call our free 24/7 Student Assistance Programme (SAP) on 0800 0283766 to receive unlimited support on a range of concerns, including in-the-moment crisis support.  

The team can provide support and advice at any time day or night regarding your concerns on a range of topics including stress, anxiety, relationships, finances or housing. Through SAP you can also receive six sessions of counselling from a therapist. 

Free for all students, the Wisdom app provides a Live Chat feature so you can receive virtual support when a Counsellor is online and available.   

On the app you’ll also find lots of useful wellbeing and mental health features, including:   

  • Wellbeing trackers   
  • Mini health checks   
  • Four-week structured health plans   
  • Access to lots of useful videos and podcasts, including yoga workouts, recipe ideas and guided meditation.   

Download it from your app store (App Store, Play Store) and enter the code MHA 146072 to get started. 

Our Student Services team can also help and offer support on a wide range of areas including finance, disability and inclusion, safety and residential life. Find out more. 

Our Chaplaincy team are available to support students of all faiths and none. Visit Portal for more info about the team and the spaces available. 

Learning and Information Services can help with a range of issues including email, printing, software, and library queries. Visit Portal to find out more. 

Our Academic Skills team are here to help you with a range of academic issues, including essay writing, structuring and referencing. For more info visit Portal or email ASk@chester.ac.uk for support. 

Don’t forget – taking a break is crucial for your mental health. Sport and Active Lifestyle‘s free weekly fitness classes and Active Campus sessions can be a great way to destress and boost your mood. Book here. 

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Managing Pre-Exam/Assignment Stress

As exam/final assignment season begins, it’s normal to feel increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Sometimes it can even feel overwhelming and it can be tempting to go out for a few drinks for a bit of stress release, however did you know the effects of alcohol on the body and brain can actually make stress worse?

Read on for some tips to help you manage stress without turning to alcohol and ace your exams/final assessments!

Why avoid alcohol during exams?

While it might be tempting to have a drink to “unwind,” doing so can have a negative impact on your performance.

  • Alcohol disrupts sleep, leading to fatigue and poor concentration.
  • It impairs cognitive functions, making it harder to study effectively and recall information during exams.
  • It increases anxiety and stress in the long term, making it harder to manage the pressures of exam season.

Healthy ways to manage pre-exam/final assignment stress

Instead of turning to alcohol, there are several effective strategies to manage stress and keep your mind sharp during exam season.

  1. Physical activity and healthy eating 

Engaging in regular physical exercise, from walking to a sports activity, can significantly reduce stress levels. This term we’re running both free Active Campus sessions and fitness classes. Complement this with a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up!

  • Relaxation Techniques 

Relaxation methods, such as meditation or yoga, breathing techniques or a warm bath can all be helpful when you feel worried or anxious. Check out the free Wisdom app to access free meditation activities – just sign in with your university email address and the code MHA146072.

  • Stay organised

A well-structured study schedule can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Keeping a study planner can also help track your progress and ensure that you are prepared by exam day.

  •  Take regular breaks

Taking short, regular breaks during study sessions can improve focus and retention. Use this time to engage in activities that relax you, whether it’s a quick walk, listening to music or simply stepping away from your study area.

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Building your Career as an Author: Caroline Corcoran

Start Date: 21 May 2025 2:00 pm

End Date: 21 May 2025 3:00 pm

Location: CGW107/8, Gateway House

Book Now

​The School for the Creative Industries is pleased to announce a new series of talks by professional writers.

Throughout the series you’ll learn about:

  • completing a manuscript and submitting it;
  • literary agents;
  • publishers;
  • book, television, and radio contracts;
  • promotion and publicity;
  • public engagement activities;
  • and writing-related employment, including freelancing and teaching​

Caroline Corcoran

Author of psychological thriller and ‘domestic noir’ novels Through the Wall, The Baby Group,
Five Days Missing, and What Happened on Floor 34? Has been a UK bestseller and translated
into multiple languages. Previously worked freelance as a copywriter for top brands, media
companies, and websites, and as a journalist for major magazines and newspapers including
Stylist, Grazia, Marie Claire, the Independent, the Mirror, and the Guardian. Currently Royal
Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Chester.

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Building your Career as an Author: Mary Torjussen

Start Date: 14 May 2025 2:00 pm

End Date: 14 May 2025 3:00 pm

Location: CGW107/8, Gateway House

Book Now

​The School for the Creative Industries is pleased to announce a new series of talks by professional writers.

Throughout the series you’ll learn about:

  • completing a manuscript and submitting it;
  • literary agents;
  • publishers;
  • book, television, and radio contracts;
  • promotion and publicity;
  • public engagement activities;
  • and writing-related employment, including freelancing and teaching​

Mary Torjussen

Author of the bestselling psychological suspense novels Gone Without a Trace (TV option
bought by Ecosse Films), The Girl I Used to Be, and The Closer You Get. Has been on guest
panels at CrimeFest in Bristol, ThrillerFest in New York, Bouchercon in Toronto, and Iceland Noir
in Reykjavík. Former MA Creative Writing student at Liverpool John Moores University. Works as
a freelance copy-editor for Jericho Writers.

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Building your Career as an Author: Amanda Brooke

Start Date: 7 May 2025 2:00 pm

End Date: 7 May 2025 3:00 pm

Location: CGW107/8, Gateway House

Book Now

​The School for the Creative Industries is pleased to announce a new series of talks by professional writers.

Throughout the series you’ll learn about:

  • completing a manuscript and submitting it;
  • literary agents;
  • publishers;
  • book, television, and radio contracts;
  • promotion and publicity;
  • public engagement activities;
  • and writing-related employment, including freelancing and teaching​

Amanda Brooke

Author of 13 novels published by HarperCollins, including the bestsellers Yesterday’s Sun
(selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club), The Affair, A Good Liar, The Wife Next Door,
and Night Fall. The novellas If I Should Go and The Keeper of Secrets (also HarperCollins) were
published as e-books only. Has given talks and been on author panels across the northwest and
appeared at Perfect Crime Writing Festival in Liverpool, Wirral Bookfest, and Bookmark Literary
Festival in Oldham. Represented by the literary agent Luigi Bonomi at LBA Books.

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Building your Career as an Author: Jim Friel

Start Date: 30 April 2025 2:00 pm

End Date: 30 April 2025 3:00 pm

Location: CGW107/8, Gateway House

Book Now

​The School for the Creative Industries is pleased to announce a new series of talks by professional writers.

Throughout the series you’ll learn about:

  • completing a manuscript and submitting it;
  • literary agents;
  • publishers;
  • book, television, and radio contracts;
  • promotion and publicity;
  • public engagement activities;
  • and writing-related employment, including freelancing and teaching​

Jim Friel

Author (as James Friel) of the novels The Posthumous Affair, The Higher Realm, Left of North,
Taking the Veil, and Careless Talk. Has written screen and BBC radio adaptations of works by
Charlotte Brontë, David Hare, Kazuo Ishiguro, Iris Murdoch, and Orhan Pamuk. Winner of a Betty
Trask prize, an Authors’ Foundation grant, and Arts Council bursaries. Former Senior Lecturer in
Creative Writing at Liverpool John Moores University and visiting writer at l’Université de Rouen.
Has tutored for the Arvon Foundation and Tŷ Newydd, and on Art of Writing courses in Italy

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Building your career as an Author: Talks 2025

​The School for the Creative Industries is pleased to announce a new series of talks by professional writers.

Throughout the series you’ll learn about:

  • completing a manuscript and submitting it;
  • literary agents;
  • publishers;
  • book, television, and radio contracts;
  • promotion and publicity;
  • public engagement activities;
  • and writing-related employment, including freelancing and teaching​

​Booking is essential. Take a look at the PDF below for more info:

Developing Your Career as an Author – Talks 2025Download
Posted in News/FeaturesTagged ,

Easter break opening 

The University’s Easter break takes place between Monday 14 to Friday 25 April. During this period many students are away from the University, as such we will be running reduced opening hours for some of our catering outlets and library helpdesks.  

All our buildings and central services, apart from Seaborne Library and the Dining Rooms at Exton Park, will be closed on both the bank holidays of Friday 18 April (Good Friday) and Monday 21 April (Easter Monday).  

Security will still be available 24/7 at Exton Park throughout the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (18 April-21 April inclusive): 01244 511541.  

Our Student Assistance Programme will also still available 24/7 for in-the-moment support: 0800 0283766.

Library Helpdesks 

Seaborne Library, Exton Park 

Date Time 
Monday 14 April-Thursday 17 April 9am-5.30pm 
Wednesday 16 April9am-8pm
Tuesday 22 April-Thursday 24 April9am-5.30pm 
Wednesday 23 April  9am-8pm 

24/7 access and study spaces opening: open 24/7 throughout. 

Wheeler 

Helpdesk: Open 9am-5pm, Monday 14 April-Thursday 24 April. Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). Friday 25 April – 9am-4.30pm.

24/7 or study spaces: Open 8am-9.30pm Monday 14 April- Friday 25 April. Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). 9am-6pm – Saturday 26 April and Sunday 27 April.

Creative Campus, Kingsway 

Helpdesk: closed between Monday 14 April and Monday 28 April.  

24/7 or study spaces: Open 8am-9.30pm, Monday 14 April – Friday 25 April. Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). 

Queen’s Park  

Helpdesk: Open 9am-5pm, Monday 14 April-Thursday 24 April. Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). Friday 25 April: 9am-4.30pm.

24/7 or study spaces: Open 8.30am-10pm Monday 14 April-Friday 25 April.  Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). 

University Centre Birkenhead 

Helpdesk: Open 9am-5pm, Monday 14 April to Thursday 24 April. Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). Friday 25 April: 9am-4pm.

24/7 or study spaces: Open during LIS Helpdesk opening hours only (see above). 

University Centre Warrington 

24/7 or study spaces: Time Square: Open 7am-8pm, Monday 14 April – Friday 25 April. Closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive). 

Open: Time Square: 9am-5pm, Saturday 19 April.  

Remond House: closed.

Catering  

Location Date Time 
Westminster, Exton Park  Closed 14-28 April  
Binks Grab and Go, Exton Park  Monday 14-Friday 25 April 10am-2pm 
Dining Rooms, Exton Park   Monday 14-Friday 25 April  8am-7.45pm 
University Shop, Exton Park   Monday 14-Friday 25 April  8am-4pm 
Churchill House, Queen’s Park  Monday 14-Friday 25 April  8.30am-4pm 
University Centre Birkenhead Closed between 14-28 April  
Wheeler   Monday 14-Friday 25 April  8.30am-4pm 
Churchill House, Queen’s Park   Monday 14-Friday 25 April  8.30am-4pm 
Creative Campus, Kingsway Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm 

All catering sites, apart from the Dining Rooms at Exton Park will be closed between Friday 18 April and Monday 21 April (inclusive). The Dining Rooms will be open: 8.30am-7.30pm during this period.  

Sport and Active Lifestyle 

The Fitness Suite and swimming pool at Exton Park will be closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive) for the Easter bank holidays. No classes will be running on these days. Our Active Campus sessions are also taking a break for Easter, so no sessions are currently running – look out for an updated timetable later this month. 

Student Services 

Our Student Services Helpdesk will be closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive) for the Easter bank holidays. For emergency support, please contact Security: 01244 511541.  

Facilities Helpdesk  

Our Facilities Helpdesk will be closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive) for the Easter bank holidays. For emergency support, please contact Security: 01244 511541.  

CSU 

CSU will be closed Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April (inclusive) for the Easter bank holidays.

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City Nature Challenge: University Edition!

Start Date: 25 April 2025 1:00 pm

End Date: 25 April 2025 2:30 pm

Location: Meet outside Grosvenor Accommodation, Exton Park – by the picnic benches.

Book Now
  • Friday 25 April
  • 1pm – 2.30pm
  • Meet outside Grosvenor Accommodation, Exton Park – by the picnic benches.

We will be meeting by the picnic benches outside Grosvenor accommodation to make as many observations of wildlife as we can on campus, as well as going onto the greenway and the canal path. We’ll be on the lookout for birds, bugs, bees, spiders, snails, plants, funghi, mammals, wild plants and anything else we can find! No prior experience needed!

 How to Get Involved:

  1. Register your interest on Volunteer Hub: We will send you a reminder about the event closer to the time and a guide to using the app
  2. Download the iNaturalist App: It’s free and easy to use.
  3. Explore & Observe: Join us on campus to look for wildlife we can record.
  4. Snap & Upload: Take pictures of the wildlife you see and upload them to the app.

There are other events being organised across the Cheshire region  – take a look at other City Nature Challenge events that have been organised across the 4 days. You can also take part outside of an organised event, uploading observations from your garden or on your walk to the shops!

Let’s show the world what Chester’s university students can do! Every observation counts towards understanding and conserving our local wildlife!

Are you ready to take on the challenge?!

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Posted in Events

Only one week left to apply for the Venture Pitch

Don’t miss your chance to win up to £6000 and a range of business prizes to get your business idea off the ground.

Why Apply?

  • Win funding to help launch your idea
  • Get access to expert mentoring
  • Be awarded a range of business prizes, including Start-Up Website, Business Coaching, Social Media Package, Product Development Support, and more!

How to Apply:

✅ Complete 12 Venture hours – Join live sessions or catch up via our online resources.
✅ Submit your application by Friday 25 April, including:

✅ Be ready to pitch (if shortlisted):
📅 Pitch Workshop: Wednesday 28 May
📅 Pitch Day & Awards Ceremony: Thursday 5 June
📍 Both events will take place in person at Queen’s Park

📌 Note: Funding eligibility may depend on your VISA status. Please review the Terms & Conditions

Want to strengthen your application and build up your Venture hours?

 Planet – Environmentally Conscious Product Development 
 📅 Thursday 17 April | 10am – 11.30am | Microsoft Teams

Product – From Problems to Products 
 📅 Thursday 24 April | 10am – 12pm | Careers & Employability Seminar Room, Exton Park

Questions? Email us at venture@chester.ac.uk

For more information, read our Venture Pitch Guide  

🔗 Apply Now – Don’t miss out!

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