How do I start my first assignment?
Successful searching starts here...
Work at your own pace with the Successful Searching online tutorial. It consists of five separate modules:
Finding the best resources
Subject Guides include a list of subject specific dictionaries and encyclopedias.They are a good starting point when researching a topic as they provide definitions, explanations or general overviews.
The guides also feature the key databases you need to use when searching for journal articles.
Writing, grammar and study skills
Library Study Smart - Getting Started guide provides help with planning your assignments and analysing your assignment questions.
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Referencing and citation
A key part of academic writing is referencing the information and ideas taken from other authors using in-text citations and a bibliography or reference list.
Your Learning Guide will tell you which referencing style you are required to use for the unit you are studying.
For more details, go to the Referencing and Citation page to access PDF guides and video examples for each referencing style.
New to the Library?
Get to know your Library is a quick overview to make your study experience easier.
Your Library is your key to success...
Have a question? Not sure who to ask?
We will help you find the answer
I need help finding and citing information for my assignment. I need help with academic writing and study skills. I need a quiet or silent place to study. We need to study in a group. The book I want is on another campus, do I have to go there?
Library staff, Online Librarian and Study Smart Officers are all here to support your library research and academic literacy skills needs.
Remember, your Western Sydney University ID card is also your Library card. Your Western Account is also your off campus login.
The Library is a great place to study
Looking for a quiet place to study? The Library has Silent Study areas where you can work quietly on your own. Ask Library staff for directions.
Working on a group assignment means lots of talking! Book a Group Study Room in any WSU library.
Prefer to study at night? Library Study Hall offers extended access after the library closes at a number of campus libraries, at different times of the year.
Swipe in using a valid WSU ID card to access the library after closing. There is a security guard on duty; no Library staff.
See our Hours and Locations pages for campus-specific information.
Assignment submission
Once you have completed writing your assignment find out how to submit your work into Turnitin before your final assignment submission.
Turnitin is a web-based text-matching software that identifies and reports on similarities between documents. It is a widely used tool for improving academic writing skills.
Multilingual dictionaries
Understanding a new topic can be difficult enough! Try translating selected words into your own language first. If your dictionary is not listed and you can suggest a good one...please let us know.
Academic literacy and grammar workshops
Western Sydney University runs a range of free preparation programs to help all new and continuing students. These programs help you to get ready for uni and are offered at different times throughout the year. Visit the Academic literacy and grammar workshops homepage to register.
More online help.
Learn English is a free service by Australia’s public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, providing digital content to help anyone learning English as a second language (ESL). We have a large and active learning community that can help you as well. To follow us, go to our Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also watch our videos on YouTube.
BBC Learning English has been teaching English to global audiences since 1943, offering free audio, video and text materials to learners around the world. English at University is a new animated series that brings the English words and phrases that you need to help you through your first year of study abroad.
English Grammar and Style is a free course that will teach you about key concepts and strategies in grammar and style to help enhance your writing and confidently respond to the demand of high levels of literacy in the 21st century.