The School of Media, Arts and Humanities Academic Skills Advisors (ASAs) offer unique study support for our students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, helping you with any problems you might encounter in your studies.

In this interview, our Student Connectors sat down with Lisa Holloway to discuss what it means to be an ASA, study support, and some tips, tricks and advice for students.

What do you enjoy the most about being an Academic Skills Advisor?  

Meeting students across MAH and knowing I can make a difference, even if it’s just helping with small shifts of understanding or realisation in the right direction!

What are the most common challenges students face and what is your advice to them?

Lacking self-belief. Remember that many people feel just like you – have the courage to take a leap into the unknown. Degree courses are going to stretch you – that’s what they are all about! But it’s just so exciting when you start to have realisations about your subject that change the way you think about the world forever… Be true to yourself. Find your niche. What is that speaks to you most about the subject you are studying?

What is one unconventional or creative study technique that you use or know somebody uses successfully?

‘Lateral thinking’ by Edward de Bono: if you are stuck with a piece of writing, ask a question regarding the challenge you are having; try to make this as specific as possible. Then go through an illustrated book, magazine, or newspaper, or flick through some images online. Choose between 1 and 3 images to dwell on when considering the problem you are having with your essay (they might not appear to be related to your essay at all). Write down or record everything that comes to mind; lateral thinking interrupts your usual thought patterns and uses random input to create new connections.

What would your advice be to yourself when you were in your first year at University?

Know that most people feel challenged and a bit scared of the new environment. Don’t assume everyone knows each other. They don’t. They want to make friends too.

What’s your favourite memory from your time as an Undergraduate student? 

Meeting people who shared a passion for my subject; just hanging out in the canteen and chatting.

What is your favourite part of the Sussex campus and why? 

The wildflowers and the green spaces. It’s so important to just sit with nature in between looking at my computer.

Find out more about ASAs