Topic outline

  • General

    Collapse all Expand all

    Welcome Foundation Students! 

    On behalf of all the professional and academic staff, we are delighted to welcome you to the Science and Engineering Foundation Year. 

    The Foundation team will be on hand to support you during your time at Queen Mary. We will be the main point of contact during welcome week. Please email us at fedu@qmul.ac.uk with any queries or concerns you have.



    • CAMPUS TOURS DAILY - 16TH - 20TH SEPT Forum

      Campus Tours will take place every hour (10am start – last tour leaving at 4pm), leaving from the welcome desk in library square. Students do not need to book, multiple tours will be leaving at the same time.

    • TELT (QMPlus) Induction Session - Booking Link Forum

      The Technology Enhanced Learning Team (TELT) will be providing IT training sessions, to equip you with the skills and knowledge to make the most of some of the technologies that you will engage with during your educational journey.  

      If you have not already booked a session, please ensure you do this via this link: TELT (QMPlus) Booking Page. You only need to book one of these sessions.

      Important:   

      • You should bring your personal laptop or other suitable device to participate in this session.  
      • Before arriving for the session, you are advised to connect your device to the campus Wi-Fi and try logging into QMplus. The network which you should use to connect your device is ‘eduroam’.  
      • You should arrive early for a prompt start. 

  • Library Services

    During Welcome and Induction, you’ll find details on how to get started using Library Services, their range of resources and how to access them, on-campus study spaces, as well as who and how to get help. All information about the Library can be found here.

    Library induction sessions will be held: 

    When: 16-20 September, two sessions: 11am & 1pm 

    Where: Mile End Library: Ground Floor Quiet Study Room (16, 17, 19 & 20 Sept);  1st Floor Teaching Room (18 Sept)


    In addition please find a video below outlining the key things to know when using Library Services.

    KEY THINGS TO KNOW:

    If the video below is not working, please click here.


  • Getting Started on QMPlus

    Introduction to QMPlus

    QMplus is our Virtual Learning Environment, which we use for almost everything; therefore, it is important that you learn how to use it efficiently.  It is the online system that Queen Mary uses to display all learning materials, lecture notes, reading lists, coursework submissions, and more.

    To help you utilise QMplus while you are at Queen Mary, please watch the QMPlus video guide TELT QMplus Induction for students.

    If you haven't already signed up for one of the Technology Enhanced Learning Inductions sessions, you can do this by clicking on the link below:



  • Using MS Teams

    MS Teams provides a flexible environment where video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and many other features will enable you to collaborate and learn. Many of the online events, which are being arranged during welcome week, and future online will be held via MS Teams. This will give you an opportunity to experience this online communication platform for yourself. 

    It is also important to familiarise yourself with this online platform as some of your sessions may be held via MS Teams.



  • Foundation Welcome Week Timetable

    WELCOME TO THE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAMME WITH FOUNDATION YEAR
    Welcome to Queen Mary University of London and the first year of the Science and  Engineering  Foundation Programme. We are delighted that you have chosen to continue your education studies with Queen Mary. In order to help with your transition to university life and to ensure you have everything you need to excel on your programme of study, we have scheduled a series of informative activities throughout the week.
    If you need support or guidance at any point please do not hesitate to contact us via email at fedu@qmul.ac.uk.

    Timetable - Week Commencing Monday 16th September :

    Monday 16th September

    Consent Matters Module - Complete in your own time via QMplus
    https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/enrol/index.php?id=22610


    10:00 - 11:00  Foundation Welcome Talk - Arts 2 Lecture Theatre
    Foundation Welcome Talk by the Director of Foundation Dr Giorgio Chianello      

    11:00 - 11:45  Physics and Chemical Sciences ID Card Collection - Octagon, Queens' Building
    Check your Email for your allocated time slot  - Physics and Chemical Sciences students only

    11:00 - 12:00  Treasure Hunt - Around Mile End Campus
    A fun optional activity allowing you to engage with other new foundation students.

    12:00 - 13:00  Free time/Drop in with the Foundation team - Lawn tent, front of Queen's Building
    Take a break, if you have any questions come and find us at the Lawn Tent.

    12:15 - 13:00  Engineering and Materials ID Card Collection - Octagon, Queens' Building

    Check your Email for your allocated time slot  - Engineering and Materials students only

    13:00 - 14:00  Health & Safety Lab Session (Group A: Biological & Chemical Science students only)
     - Masons Lecture Theatre, Bancroft Building
    An introduction to Lab health and safety. You must attend your Health and Safety talk and complete the Quiz afterwards in order to participate in lab practicals.

    13:00 - 14:00  Student Support Talk (Group B : Maths, Physics, Engineering & Electronic Engineering students only) - Drapers Lecture Theatre, Geography Building
    An informative talk about various Foundation processes  i.e. Extenuating Circumstances, Engagement Monitoring and support services available to students

    14:00 - 15:00  Student Support Talk (Group A: Biological & Chemical Science students only) - Drapers Lecture Theatre, Geography Building
    An informative talk about various Foundation processes  i.e. Extenuating Circumstances, Engagement Monitoring and support services available to students

    14:00 - 15:00  Health & Safety Lab Session (Group B : Maths, Physics, Engineering & Electronic Engineering students only)  - Masons Lecture Theatre, Bancroft Building
    An introduction to Lab health and safety. You must attend your Health and Safety talk and complete the Quiz afterwards in order to participate in lab practicals.

    15:00 - 16:00  Biological Sciences ID Card Collection - Octagon, Queens' Building
    Check your Email for your allocated time slot  - Biological Sciences students only.

    Tuesday 17th September

    12:00 - 16:00  The Wellbeing Fair, The Nest, Student Unions' Hub 
    Various stalls and activities with a focus on wellbeing (internal services and external organisations)

    15:45 - 16:30  Electronic Engineering ID Card Collection - Octagon, Queens' Building 
    Check your Email for your allocated time slot   - for Electronic Engineering students only.                                                                                                                                                                        

    Wednesday 18th September

    10:30 - 16:00  International Student Welcome - Queens' Lawn Tent/Mile End Library/Peston Theatre
    A chance to meet other International students.

    11:45 - 12:45  Maths ID Card Collection - Octagon, Queens' Building 
    Check your Email for your allocated time slot   - Maths students only.

    Thursday 19th September
    Student Union Welcome Fair 11:00 - 18:00 - Mile End Campus

    You'll get to meet lots of our Clubs and Societies, student services and snap up freebies and discounts from visiting brands and businesses!

    For indoor spaces you need to book a free time slot ticket. This allows entry within a one hour time period for each space. You need to book a ticket for each indoor space. No tickets are required for outdoor areas of the Fair.

    Friday 20th September
    Student Union Welcome Fair 10:00 - 16:00 - Mile End Campus

    You'll get to meet lots of our Clubs and Societies, student services and snap up freebies and discounts from visiting brands and businesses!

    For indoor spaces you need to book a free time slot ticket. This allows entry within a one hour time period for each space. You need to book a ticket for each indoor space. No tickets are required for outdoor areas of the Fair.

  • Before You Get Started

    Before you can get started you will need to ensure that you have completed the following tasks in order to access all the necessary information.

    1. Ensure that you have pre-enrolled. Further details about enrolment can be found here. 

    2. Ensure that you can access your Queen Mary login credentials and have access to your email inbox and QMplus. If you have not received your login information, please contact IT services at: servicedesk@qmul.ac.uk or give them a call on: 020 7882 8888. 

    3. Download and install Microsoft Teams onto your device or access MS teams through the web application.  If you’ve not used MS Teams before, please follow the link to download teams MS Teams, you can also find a helpful guide at MS Teams Guide

    Struggling with IT issues? Please visit here

    • IT will have a help desk in Mile End Library square from 10-4pm Monday 16th September- Friday 27th September   

  • Overview of Welcome Week

    • 3 key things for Welcome Week (Foundation)


      1. Enrolment, QMplus and collecting your ID card

      You should have received an email with information about pre-enrolment and your IT login information.

      Once you have completed the pre-enrolment on MySIS the registry department will enrol you as a student. 

      After this has happened you will need to collect your ID card so that you can access campus facilities (library/buildings).

      ID Card collection 

      You will receive an email from Registry allocating you a 5 minute time slot to pick up your ID card. The day that you come in to collect your card is dependent on which school you belong to. The date and times for each School can be found below:

       
      • School of Physical & Chemical Sciences (SPCS) - Chemistry & Physics: Monday 16th Sep 11:00am - 11:45pm (check your email for your allocated time slot)
      • School of Engineering & Material Sciences (SEMS):  Monday 16th Sep  12:15 - 1:00pm (check your email for your allocated time slot)
      • School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences (SBBS): Monday 16th Sep   3:00 - 4:00pm (check your email for your allocated time slot)
      • School of Electronic Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS): Tuesday 17th Sep 3:45pm - 4:30pm (check your email for your allocated time slot) 
      • School of Mathematical Sciences (SMS): Wednesday 18th Sep 11:45am - 12:45pm (check your email for your allocated time slot)


      Where: Octagon, Queens Building

      For further information about ID card collection i.e. if you miss your allocated time slot, please click here.              


      2. Introduction to the Foundation Year

      Welcome Week is your first opportunity to discover what is waiting for you, what we have to offer you, where to find it and what happens next.

      Here is a brief summary, of some of the activities provided, which will be included as part of your induction.

      • Foundation Welcome Talk (structure of programme, syllabus etc)
      • Student Support Talk (services available to support student health & wellbeing).

      If an activity is marked as compulsory on your Welcome Week timetable, then you are expected to attend,  as not doing so may have a negative impact on your ability to take full advantage of your time at QMUL.  

       

      3. Classes begin - Check your timetable here

      Teaching begins in week 1 on Monday 23rd September 2024. The semester dates for 2024/25 are as follows:  

      Semester One

      • 16 September – 13 December 2024
      • Welcome Week starts 16 September 2024
      • Teaching starts 23 September 2024

      Semester Two

      •  22 January – 15 April 2025
      • Bank Holidays: 18 and 21 April 2025

      Semester Three - Examination Period:

      • Examinations: 8 May – 6 June 2025
      • Bank holidays: 5 and 26 May 2025

      Late Summer Resit Period

      • 4 August – 15 August 2025

      Exam dates

      After the end of the second semester, there will then be a four week examination period.

      Please note that you should be available to attend University throughout this time. The School is closed on weekends, Bank Holidays and University closure dates.

      CLICK HERE FOR KEY TERMS DATES

       

  • Welcome Week Check List

    FOUNDATION WELCOME WEEK CHECKLIST TO COMPLETE

    To ensure a smooth transition onto your course, please ensure you have completed the following tasks by the end of Welcome Week:

    • Complete your online enrolment - (Link to QMUL enrolment page)

    • Collect Student I.D  at scheduled time - Please refer to your invitation email for your 5 minute slot to collect your card. After 28th September, ID collection will be from the Student Enquiry Centre in Scape Building.
    • Watch the QMplus instruction video  here and attend the Technology Enhanced Learning Induction.
    If you need support or guidance with any of the tasks listed please do not hesitate to email the Foundation team at fedu@qmul.ac.uk.


  • Support for Health & Wellbeing

    ADVICE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE

    The Advice and Counselling Service provides a range of specialist, professional and confidential services to support students and applicants. It offers different types of support.

    Group and Individual Counselling to help with issues such as: Depression, anxiety, homesickness, bereavement, identity and sexuality, relationship issues

    Trained Wellbeing Advisors who can support students with: managing everyday difficulties that may be impacting on their overall wellbeing and mental health.

    Trained Mental Health Advisors who can provide: practical support and interventions to help a student manage their diagnosed mental health condition. They can also advise students with no existing diagnosis of mental health condition but are experiencing mental health difficulties.

    Trained Welfare Advisors who can assist with: Student Finance, immigration law and Visa guidance, managing your money, applying for hardship funds, funding your studies

    The Advice and Counselling Service is on the ground floor of the Geography Building, on the Mile End Campus. Their entrance is located on the west side of the Geography building. You can contact them by completing their webform and they will respond to you as soon as they can by email or by offering an appointment. 

    Further information information about their services can be found here.



    DISABILITY AND DYSLEXIA SERVICE

    The highly experienced team of DDS staff offer advice, guidance, and support in the following areas:

    • Finding out if you have a specific learning difference like dyslexia
    • Applying for funding through the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
    • Arranging DSA assessments of need
    • Examination Access Arrangements (e.g. additional time)
    • Accessing loaned equipment (e.g. digital recorders)
    • Specialist one-to-one "study skills" tuition
    • Ensuring access to course materials in alternative formats (e.g. Braille)
    • Providing non-specialist support workers (e.g. note-takers, readers, library assistants)
    • Mentoring support for students with mental health difficulties and conditions on the autistic spectrum.

    They support all QMUL students: full-time, part-time, undergraduate, postgraduate, UK and international at all campuses and all sites. 

    Further information about their services can be found here.


    STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE

    The Student Health Service is available on campus (located in the Geography Building at Mile End Campus). They are a free service and they provide a complete range of medical services including immunizations, sexual health advice and psychological counselling. 

    Further information about their services can be found here.


    The video below provides further information about the various services provided by QMUL,  to help support student wellbeing

  • Become A Course Rep For Foundation

    Do you want to be the Course Representative for your year group? Nominate yourself now! 

    If you are interested in representing the interests of students within your cohort, then this is the perfect role for you. Course Reps act as a liaison between staff and students. Course Reps collect feedback – formal and informal – from the students in their cohort, and the Reps feed this back to the relevant staff members

    • Nominations are open from: Tuesday 10th September -  Tuesday 1st October 
    • Voting takes place from: Monday 7th October - Thursday 10th October

    For further details about what Course Reps do and how to become one, click here.

     



  • QMUL Students' Union

    Students' Union Welcome Fair - Thursday 19th (11am-6pm) and Friday 20th (10am-4pm).

    The Welcome Fair, run by the Student Union, is one of the biggest events of the year and is your opportunity to find out more about all the activities, opportunities and services available to you at Queen Mary. You’ll also get the chance to learn about their Clubs and Societies to find out more about them and sign-up, grab freebies from some local and national organisations and enjoy performances and demonstrations in some of their outdoor campus spaces. 

    For indoor spaces you need to book a free time slot ticket here. This allows entry within a one hour time period for each space. You need to book a ticket for each indoor space. No tickets are required for outdoor areas of the Fair.


  • International Students

    For information about arriving in the UK, International societies and other relevant issues, please click here.

    International students will also receive an email inviting them to the International Social event. Details are provided below and booking is not required.

    International Social Event

    Date & Time: Wednesday 18th September, 10.30 – 16:00

    Location: Queens Building Lawn 

    Includes: Fun games, free food and lots of useful information. 

    • Grab a free tea, coffee or pastry from 10:30 (as long as supplies last)
    • Meet other international student advisors, and take part in some fun activities at 11am and 2pm, to get to know other students and find out about the Global Café, Queen Mary's international student meetup.
    • Get support setting up your UK bank account
    • Meet and learn about university services, including the careers service, QM Elevate, and the Students' Union.
    • Grab a free ice cream! (As long as supplies last)


    Student Success Programme

    As an international student, you will have access to the International Student Success Programme which includes the following modules: 

    • Preparing for student life in the UK 

    • Culture: Adapting and managing expectations 

    • Effective Communication 

    • Looking after yourself and finding support 

    To take part in the programme, please https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=19412


    International Information Sessions 

    • Meet and greet the Academic Skills team and learn about all the support and resources available to excel in your degree:  Wednesday  18th September, 11am - 12pm, Ground Floor Study Space at Mile End Library

    • International Student Essential Welcome Information: Wednesday 18th September, 12pm - 1pm,  Peston Lecture Theatre (Graduate Building):

      • Essential immigration information
      • How to make the best of your student life in the UK
      • Introduction to QM Elevate

    Careers Talk for International Students

    Learn everything you need to know about working in the UK as an international student:

    • Monday 16 September, 12 - 1pm, Peston lecture theatre (Graduate building)  OR
    • Thursday 19 September, 11am - 12pm, Skeel lecture theatre (People's Palace)


  • Using Mentimeter

    • Guide to Mentimeter File

      Mentimeter is a web-based audience response system/polling system, which may be utilised in some of the lectures and workshops you attend. Many academics are making use of Mentimeter in teaching and meetings no matter what platform they are using, Microsoft Teams or Zoom. We have provided a basic guide to Mentimeter, to give you a better understanding of this useful tool.

      556.6 KB

  • IT Services

    Help and support:

    The IT Service Desk is your first point of contact for all things IT related. You can chat to the IT Service Desk 24/7 or raise a ticket here or email to servicedesk@qmul.ac.uk.

    IT will have a help desk in Library square during Welcome Week and the following week.


  • Support with Academic Work

    • Academic Enhancement Service - Get Ahead Workshops File

      Starting university is a big step on an even bigger journey, and Get Ahead is here to help you with this transition.  

      Get Ahead aims to support incoming students to prepare for university-level study at Queen Mary. It offers an opportunity for new students to learn more about studying at QMUL, and to make connections with current staff and students, helping to build a sense of belonging.  

      The Get Ahead workshops have been designed to help you develop key skills you’ll need to succeed at uni. They’ll also be an opportunity to meet other new students at QMUL.   

      The workshops running throughout semester A will include: 

      • Getting started and getting organised 

      • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity  

      • Studying at university  

      • Developing your research and information skills for university  

      • Understanding maths and statistics at university 

      • Getting support with reading, writing and statistics 

      For more information, including dates/times and how to book, visit the Academic Skills webpages. 

      During Welcome Week The Academic Skills Centre are running two drop-in sessions where students will get the chance to meet the team and learn more about: 'Get Ahead', other study support resources, and what is expected of you in lectures, labs, seminars, and assignments.

      SESSION DATES:

      • Tuesday 17th Sept, 14.00-15.00, Ground Floor Quiet Study Space, Mile End Library
      • Wednesday 18th Sept, 11.00-12.00, Ground Floor Quiet Study Space, Mile End Library

      To book a session, please visit https://qmul.libcal.com/calendar/

      1.1 MB
    • Peer Assisted Study Support (PASS) Page

      PASS (Peer Assisted Study Support) is a course-based mentoring scheme where foundation students & first-years are given the opportunity to discuss study-related problems with higher-year students (mentors) in a friendly, informal environment.  Any foundation student is welcome at PASS. No one will think you are struggling, just because you come along – you may want to get ahead for the following year or just enjoy talking to other students in your subject.

      You will be emailed further information about PASS sessions and when they will take place once the academic year has begun.


      WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

      The scheme offers a valuable and complementary addition to the wide range of more formal teaching and support offered to students at the University. Here are a few first-year students' perspectives on the benefits of attending PASS sessions:


      • PASS is great for time management as it is like a focused study group session.
      • PASS helps attendees better comprehend content and prepare for assessments.
      • PASS helps you learn the academic culture of your school or programme. You might find out where the best study spots are too! 
      • Sessions numbers are capped at 20 people, so they are aimed to meet the needs of all attendees.
      • Mentors are really friendly and have been in your shoes! They know what it is like to be a new student and can share their experiences with you.
      • All questions are good questions in PASS – and maybe you will be able to help someone else learn too!
      • If you attend, you could become a PASS Mentor in your second year.

      Being part of the PASS programme will allow you to:

      • gain academic advice and support
      • meet other students from your school in your year and beyond
      • learn about the academic culture within your school
      • be part of an internationally renowned mentoring programme.


      ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

      If you would like any further information visit: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/newstudents/becoming-a-queen-mary-student/peer-assisted-study-support-pass/


    • QMUL Elevate URL

      The QM Elevate programme is free and open to all students. It provides essential skills for articulating ideas clearly and confidently in both academic and professional settings. Students will master techniques in writing, presenting, and interpersonal communication. 

      Designed to enhance critical thinking, persuasive abilities, and cultural awareness, the program prepares students to excel at university and communicate with impact in diverse and dynamic environments. 

      Registration for this programme will open in mid September. For further information please visit: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sllf/language-centre/qm-elevate/.

  • Useful Study Resources

    • Studiosity - Fast Assignment Feedback Tool Page

      If you find yourself struggling with essay writing and would like additional support, or feedback on an essay assignment, 'Studiosity' may be just what you need.

      This study tool can help improve your assignments by providing fast, detailed, and personalised feedback on your drafts. You are also able to access live tutoring sessions, where you can obtain immediate support with your maths, science, or referencing questions. 


    • Maths & Statistics Drop-In Sessions Page

      If you require additional support with maths content, you may wish to attend one of the in-person drop-in sessions run by the Academic Centre. The sessions run several times a week in both the Mile End and Whitechapel libraries. There's no need to book, you can just turn up!

      In the session there will be an experienced adviser present, with whom you can discuss any issues or problems you are having with any maths work you are doing as part of your study.

      Click here to find out the times and locations of these sessions.

    • Royal Literary Fund Tutorial (RLF) Page

      The RLF is a free, confidential service to help you  improve your academic writing skills. RLF Fellows are professional writers who offer individual guidance on written assignments to Queen Mary students from all academic backgrounds. 

      You can book an appointment at any stage of your assignment, including after it has been marked, but you may find it’s best to contact the Fellows before your deadline, so that you have enough time to implement any advice you receive.

      For further information and to book a 50 minute appointment, visit: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/library/academic-skills/accessing-support/rlf/


  • New Students Website

    We recommend that you visit the New Students website for information you will need as you prepare for enrolment.

    The new students website will also provide of support as you navigate the start of term:

    • Advice and Counselling Services
    • Careers
    • Chaplaincy
    • Disability and Dyslexia Service
    • Finance
    • IT Services (MS Teams, Outlook)
    • International Welcome Week


  • Welcome Bags

    Don't forget to collect your welcome bag from the information point in Library Square! 

    • Tote Bag from 100% recycled cotton screen printed with water based ink

    • QM branded Bamboo Cutlery 

    • Various literature  

    • Students will also get branded lanyards at ID collection 



  • Lab Induction Quiz

    Welcome to the QMUL Teaching Laboratories! Before you can do any practical work, you must complete the following tasks in this order. If you do not complete these before attending your first practical, you may not be able to take part. 

    1. Attend the in person lab induction being held on Monday 16th September
    2. Complete the online safety quiz (click here to access it) on QMplus and score at least 80%
    If you have not attended the session you must first attend the back up session on Wednesday 2nd  October (location and time to be confirmed) before competing the mandatory quiz.

    Below you can find the slides of the session as well as material to go through to consolidate your awareness and knowledge of Health and Safety prior taking the quiz.

    You can attempt the quiz 3 times after that you must contact a member of the the technical team for further training: Dr Valentina Rapisarda (v.rapisarda@qmul.ac.uk) , Emma Gammage (e.gammage@qmul.ac.uk), Mark Hudson (mark.hudson@qmul.ac.uk)

  • Consent Matters Module

    Talking about sex and consent doesn’t have to be difficult. All students are expected to complete our online module, Consent Matters, to learn how to recognise and ask for sexual consent, look out for others on campus, and where to find support if you need it. 

    Take the Consent Matters course. 


  • Welcome Week Survey

    Dear Students,

    We hope you are enjoying/enjoyed your first week at QMUL.

    We would like to invite you to take part in our Welcome Week Survey. The Foundation Year team are committed to improving the student experience and your comments and feedback will help us provide an even better experience for our new students.

    There are only 12 questions, therefore it should only take a few minutes.  Please click the link below to access the survey.

    Thanks for your participation.