MLSC case studies

Read below how students from the Department of Mathematical Sciences have benefited from the Mathematics Learning Support Centre.

How did you hear about the MLSC?

I first heard about the MLSC when I came to an open day at Loughborough. The lecturer that gave the tour was so enthusiastic which made the prospect of getting help there non-daunting.

How has the MSLC supported your studies?

Honestly, I did find the course challenging when I first started university and it led me to seek support from the MLSC. I might have worried that I was seeking help with the simplest of problems, but I've never once been made to feel like I've asked a silly question. I also like to use it for a quiet study space as I find it a nice environment to work in.

How has the MLSC enhanced your learning experience?

It's a quiet, non-intimidating place in which to work and they make it easy to ask for help. I've had help for many problems over the last two years! I think having the MLSC around has meant that I spend less time dwelling on problems, meaning I have more time to focus on my other important work. It's allowed me to be a lot more efficient with my work time!

What would you say to students who haven't used the MLSC?

The MLSC is so easy to access that there really is no excuse to not ask for help! Exam time is the busiest time for the MLSC so asking when you first have an issue is the best way to learn from problems you are finding challenging. There's no judgement from the lecturers, so don't ever worry that your question is too easy or too simple. Maths isn't an easy subject so if you're choosing it, it most likely means you're going to have to work hard, but it's a diverse subject that challenges you and certainly has some very interesting parts.

What do you enjoy about being a Loughborough mathematics student?

I love Loughborough because it offers me everything that I could possibly want. I'm on a course that provides plenty of help when asked for and there are plenty of social opportunities to really enjoy yourself whilst you are studying. I enjoy maths at Loughborough because it provides me with a challenge everyday!

Why did you choose to study mathematics at Loughborough?

I chose to study Mathematics since I have always had a deep passion and drive for mathematics. I love working with numbers because I find it very easy to visualise complex calculations within my head. I also find understanding difficult, abstract concepts to be enjoyable and highly rewarding. I chose to study at Loughborough since it's a top university and quite close to my home.

How did you come to use the MLSC?

I was struggling with a problem sheet around week 2 of my first year. When I realised there was always a lecturer who offers help at the MLSC, I decided to go there for the first time. Needless to say, my query was resolved. Now, every time I get stuck on a certain part of my lecture notes, and I fail to rectify my lack of understanding through other resources, I will always go to the MLSC and seek help from the on-duty lecturer.

How else has having the MLSC enhanced your Loughborough experience?

There are many theorems and proofs I would not have understood if it wasn't for the MLSC. The MLSC has helped strengthen the foundations of my understanding in many modules. This then had carry over effects as, when I was studying more advanced material in my second and third year, since my foundations were strong partially due to attending the MLSC so often. I was able to understand more quickly theorems and proofs that I encountered in the second and third year of my degree. I also use the MLSC just as a study place from time to time.

Would you encourage other students to use the MLSC?

Many of my peers regularly mention that second year was a lot harder than first year. However, this was not the case for me (and actually the opposite). Since I attended the MLSC so often in my first year, I thoroughly understood the content in that year because I would get rid of any gaps in knowledge frequently at the MLSC. Since my foundational knowledge was so strong, I found second year very easy which is evidenced by the fact that I achieved 85% overall in that year. If I hadn't attended the MLSC as much as I did, I would not have achieved such a high percentage.

What would you say to someone considering studying maths at Loughborough?

Loughborough is a fantastic university with a plethora of resources that will help maximise your learning!