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Learning Well Programme 2025

PROGRAMME: Mon 10 Feb

Theme: How do you balance your life and study?

10.00 - How can you manage your time well?
By Katie Dallison (Careers Service), Katie Stripe (Central Faculty Education Office)

This workshop discusses and explores effective time management and goal-setting strategies that support both academic success and personal wellbeing. You’ll get a chance to practice goal setting and have a go at applying practical ideas to your current situation.

11.00 - How can you balance work and social life?

Student panellists: Christian Cooper (Imperial College Student Union), Imperial undergraduate students (TBC)
Staff panellists: Will Hollyer (Sport & Leisure Services)
Staff facilitator: Nicola Morgan (Student Services)

Join a student-staff panel discussing strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance. Hear from students active in clubs and societies, alongside staff insights, on how to manage university challenges while maintaining a healthy social life.

12.00 - Exhibition in College Main Entrance: What Study Strategies Can You Learn from Your Peers?

Explore an exhibition of diverse study strategies and learning experiences shared by fellow students. Discover and explore new approaches, tools, and techniques that have helped others succeed, and find inspiration to enhance your own academic practices.

Exhibition to showcase resources: organisation & time management; note-taking; revision; procrastination & stress management etc.

13.00 - The power of taking breaks?

By Julia Hutchinson (Student Services)

Sometimes we think we can only succeed if we work all the time. This workshop will look at how taking breaks and investing time in other areas of our lives can actually support our academic productivity.

14.00 - What Does It Mean to Be an Independent Learner at University?

By Dr Tiffany Chiu and Dr Sue Sing (Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship)

Explore the transition from school to university learning in this interactive discussion. Learn practical strategies for effective independent study (when learning in class as well as when studying outside-of-class), understand the importance of when and how to seek help from staff and peers, and discuss what it means to be a university student.

15.00 - Student Panel Discussion: What is Learning Well?

Student panellists: Emina Hogas (Imperial College Student Union), Imperial undergraduate students (TBC)
Staff facilitator: Hannah Bannister (Student Services)

Join a student panel discussion on sustainable and effective study habits, followed by a Q&A session. Gain insights into how to 'learn well' at Imperial. The session will also include a brief introduction to the Learning Well Project which aims to explore and strengthen the link between study strategies and wellbeing.

PROGRAMME: Tues 11 Feb

Theme: How can you study smarter, and more effectively?

10.00 - How does your brain learn?
By Dr Iro Ntonia (Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship) and Dr Stefano Sandrone (Department of Brain Sciences)
Dive deeper into the neuroscience of learning. Discover how your brain processes information and focus, but also how educational research is setting the stage for the future of learning, from augmented and virtual Reality to chatbots and the metaverse!

11.00 - Growth Over Perfectionism
By Jasmin Han (Student Services)
What is perfectionism and how does it inhibit our growth and progress? We will look at exploding some of the beliefs which drive perfectionism, and develop a personalised toolbox of strategies that you can take away to support you in your studies.

12.00 - Exhibition in College Main Entrance: What Study Strategies Can You Learn from Your Peers?

12.00 - How can pets as therapy support your wellbeing?
By Move Imperial
This session offers a chance to take a short break from your studies to engage with therapy pets, helping to relieve stress and boost your wellbeing. Learn how taking regular breaks (even very short ones) can support both your mental wellbeing and academic success.

13.00 - How many reading styles are needed for academic success?
By David Mooney, Peter Lia and Aikaterini Palli (Student Services)
We all have a reading style which is often established early in life. However, do we decide ourselves what works for us or are we frequently 'adopters' of others' preferences? Also, one style or approach does not fit every academic task. As we progress along our academic journey from school through undergraduate and into postgraduate work, what reading modifications might we benefit from to maximise our efficiency and minimise stress?

14.00 - Welcome to Welldoing: An adaptive and personalised approach to learning which allows us to study-smart, save much needed energy and thrive at University and beyond
By Abby Osborne, University of Bath
This session will introduce students to Welldoing, a highly adaptable and personalised approach to study which enables busy students to take greater ownership of how they learn, equipping them with strategies which will save both time and energy. From overcoming a fear of the blank page to tackling perfectionism, information overload and managing nerves around presenting, this practical session will help students to move away from an ‘ideal’, one size fits all approach to study. Instead, we will explore multiple ways of thinking, learning and working which can be tailored to suit our changing and evolving needs. The approach can also be applied to our home and working lives, helping us to not only achieve but to also thrive at University and beyond.

15.00 - Staff Panel Discussion: What is Learning Well?
By Dr Julie King (Centre for Academic English), Coco Nijhoff (Library Services), Hannah Bannister (Student Services); Dr Mike Tennant (Centre for Environmental Policy), Dr Charlotte Sutherell (Department of Chemistry), Professor Jason Riley (Department of Materials), Dr Wayne Mitchell (Department of Immunology and Inflammation)
Join staff from various faculties and services as they share their insights on sustainable and effective learning behaviours and tips. This session provides staff perspectives on 'learning well' at Imperial, followed by Q&A. It also includes a brief introduction to the Learning Well Project, which explores the link between study strategies and wellbeing.

PROGRAMME: Wed 12 Feb

Theme: What fuels your motivation for sustainable learning?

10.00 - How do you move forwards from setbacks? - workshop on developing resilience and viewing challenges as growth opportunities
By Julia Hutchinson (Student Services)
Life can be challenging; things may otherwise always go as we hoped and these setbacks can feel difficult to cope with. In this seminar, we explore ways to cope with distress and increase resilience, finding ways to adapt to change and thrive despite adversity.

11.00 - Should learning be enjoyable? Using 'science of emotion' to reconsider emotions in learning
By Dr Kate Ippolito (Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship), Dr Manuela Mura (Faculty of Medicine Centre)
Join a workshop to explore the connections between learning, enjoyment, and more difficult emotions. We will use science of emotion to explore how a surprising variety of emotions support learning. Techniques for working with emotions whilst learning will be offered, including how to navigate discomfort, frustration and uncertainty to become a more self-aware and adaptable learner.

12.00 - Exhibition in College Main Entrance: What Study Strategies Can You Learn from Your Peers?

13.00 - What is Intelligence, and how and why is it important to you?
By Professor Martyn Kingsbury (Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship)
Challenge some views of intelligence in this interactive session. Explore multiple dimensions of intelligence, including Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and discuss how 'intelligence' may be related to expertise and how it may both help and hinder success in both academic and professional life, especially in a competitive learning environment.

14.00 - What keeps you going?
Staff: Nicola Morgan (Student Services)
Students: Imperial undergraduate students (TBC)
Join this interactive workshop to explore strategies for maintaining both short-term and long-term motivation throughout your academic journey. Participants can anonymously share notes of encouragement, which will be displayed on a community board to inspire fellow students.

15.00 - How Can Reflection Make You a Stronger Learner and Person?
By Katie Dallison (Careers Service), Katie Stripe (Central Faculty Education Office)
Explore the power of reflection in this interactive workshop. Learn how reflective practices can enhance both your personal and academic growth, helping you to become a more resilient and self-aware learner.

PROGRAMME: Thurs 13 Feb

Theme: How can you take care of your mind and body to enhance your learning?

10.00 - The art of mastering sleep to help enhance your cognitive and physical performance
By Hamzat Ahmed (Sports Development)
This workshop will explore the science of sleep, the effects of on-going poor sleep quality and the diminishing returns on physical and cognitive function and the impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. Learn how to maximise sleep through easily actionable strategies that help prepare your body, mind and environment to “switch off” after a busy day of studies at Imperial.

11.00 - Head Space – Using art and creativity to develop strategies for staying calm under pressure
By Mindy Lee (Education Office)
We will explore creating surreal connections in collage between place and person. Relax, unwind and nurture your emotional well-being through making something creative with guidance and support. Observe and glean different approaches to the same challenge with your peers. Learn how to trust your intuition and individual expression. Feel inspired.

12.00 - Exhibition in College Main Entrance: What Study Strategies Can You Learn from Your Peers?

12.00 - How can music boost your wellbeing and learning?
By Shawn Huang (Department of Materials)
Join us for a relaxing lunchtime session where students and staff perform live music to enhance your mood and wellbeing. Enjoy the power of music in a social setting, while discovering how it can positively influence your learning and creativity.

13.00 - What is your body telling you?
By Abby Sanderson (Sport & Leisure Services) and colleagues from Counselling Service
Engage in a physical wellbeing session that showcases how movement can enhance your learning. Explore activities designed to improve focus and retention by listening to and responding to your body's needs. This will be a practical session with strategies that you can take away and implement into your everyday life.

14.00 - Negotiating an effective learning environment
By Dr Luke McCrone (Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship)
Findings from research into student engagement with various Imperial campus learning spaces will be presented in this interactive workshop. Group discussions around existing use of campus space will support participants to reflect on more effective use of space as part of an enhanced learning and wellbeing strategy.

15.00 - Food for Thought - The link between Nutrition and Learning
By Dr Aaron Lett and Dr Aygul Dagbasi (Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction)
Explore the vital connection between nutrition, health and learning in this interactive session. Learn how your diet can fuel your mind and body, to help enhance your focus, memory, and overall academic performance. Gain practical tips to optimise your diet for better learning outcomes.

PROGRAMME: Fri 14 Feb

Theme: How do you build a supportive learning community?

10.00 - Why Are Peers Your Best Support and Resource?
Student panellists: Sid Diamond (Department of Physics), Lizzie Sparling (Department of Maths), Life Sciences PASS mentor (student - TBC) and Life Sciences 'learner' (Y1 - TBC)
Staff facilitator: Dr Isabel Rabey (Department of Physics)

On this student-led panel, students will discuss the importance of peer support for supporting your learning and wellbeing. Explore how connecting with peers can enhance your learning experience, boost motivation, and provide essential emotional and academic support.

11.00 - How Does Competition Shape Your Learning Experience? Navigating Competition and Building a Collaborative Mindset
By Dr Richard Bale and Dr Tiffany Chiu (Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship)
Explore how competition impacts learning and collaboration. Discuss strategies to balance individual achievement with a collaborative approach, aligning with Imperial Graduate Attributes and preparing for life beyond university.

12.00 - Exhibition in College Main Entrance: What Study Strategies Can You Learn from Your Peers?

13.00 - What role does giving and receiving feedback play in building community?

By Dr Richard Bale (Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship)
This interactive session explores the importance of giving and receiving constructive feedback. Students will engage in activities that demonstrate how feedback strengthens peer relationships, enhances learning, and contributes to a more connected academic community.

14.00 - Can food bring us together?
By Dr Mark Anderson (Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship), Dr Jakub L Radzikowski (Department of Chemistry)
Join us for a presentation and an exhibition as we share insights and experiences from the Chemical Kitchen’s World of Food intercultural project. Discover how the fusion of science and culture through food can inspire creativity, collaboration, and mutual understanding in exciting ways.

15.00 - How do we leverage technology for learning well?
By Daniel Mitelpunkt (Digital Media Lab) and Helen McKenna (Interdisciplinary EdTech Lab)
In this session, we will explore together a range of digital learning media and tools that can support your learning. We will discuss how these tools can complement your study strategies and enhance your learning experience, and how to engage with them critically in a way that suits your personal learning. As the session will be collaborative and interactive, you will have the opportunity to try these tools, ask questions, and share your thoughts.