Writing and Academic Skills

The dangers of contract cheating and how to protect yourself 

Although … the guidelines do specify a minimum of three outside sources, and you haven’t even chosen a topic yet....

Students around a table talking

Five tips for school-work-life balance as a student

I struggled to achieve a school-work-life balance, which caused a lot of issues with my mental health and led to...

Students studying inside L. R. Wilson

What I learned after receiving my first low grade

Since high school, I had high grades. In my third year statistics course when I recieved my first low grade,...

Students in front of Edwards Hall

Five ways to stay motivated

1. Complete small tasks daily   When I review the amount of work I need to complete, I feel reluctant. I...

Student at the The Learning Commons at Mills Memorial Library talking to a student.

Five reasons why you should ask for help

1. Find services and opportunities that reflect your needs The first part of asking for help, is to seek someone...

Upper-year students share their advice dealing with test anxiety

Destiny’s story Being a student who always wanted to do well, I placed a lot of pressure on myself. This...

Student in the library on an iPad

My experience changing programs

Where did I start? Figuring out what career you want to pursue is difficult, especially when you probably do not...

Student writing in a lecture hall

What I learned in second-year, as a fourth-year student

1. Invest time in building your skills Everyone wants to succeed, get good grades, and feel confident in their academic abilities...

Students in a lecture on their laptop

My first year vs. my fourth year

After four years, I learned a lot and I hope this advice helps you through your own journey. I encourage...

Student typing on a laptop

Ways to organize your time in university

Today, I will be focusing on organizing your time and using time pockets outside of class to get some studying...

Finding the right study spots on campus

There are many great spots on campus for a variety of types of studying and it is important that you...

What to expect when you meet with an SSC writing advisor 

So, you’ve decided to meet with an SSC writing advisor  Great! Meeting with a writing advisor is an excellent way...

10 myths about writing advising: The Writing Centre at McMaster

Myth 1: Consulting with a writing advisor is somehow cheating.  Not at all.  The Student Success Centre offers writing advising...

Students at Dissertation Writing Intensive.

New writing and career services for McMaster graduate students

Improve your writing and get support with the dissertation writing process The Writing Centre is now open to support grad...

Group of students chatting on campus benches.

Peer Leader Program

The Peer Leader program includes a volunteer opportunity, scheduled professional development and connections to your peers. Browse all the appointment...

Student working at computer in class.

Level up your education and well-being with communities of learning

When I was an undergrad and I got stressed out by my workload, I’d retreat. I’d study by myself until...

Student walking past Student Centre.

Get the one-on-one support you need this year

Types of appointments and support Browse all the appointment types to find out how you can access support. Then, book...

Large group of students working on laptops in library.

What you need to know about contract cheating as a university student

Contract cheating, the process of hiring a third-party company to complete your assignment, is a growing business scam. Companies target...

David Vaz, writing contest winner.

“Self-talk (a poem inverse)” (2022 Academic Skills Writing Contest)

This written piece was a winning submission (third place) for the 2022 Academic Skills Writing Contest. The 2022 theme was "potential."

Exam space with desks and chairs.

In-person exams aren’t as scary as you think

This year, we’ve learned that many of you might feel anxious or overwhelmed about in-person exams. For example, in a...