Learning Skills Support

A Renison staff member sitting with a Renison student
  • Renison University College
LEARNING SKILLS SUPPORT AT RENISON

Renison's Learning Skills team wants to ensure you know how to access all the University of Waterloo supports available to help you be successful. 

No one's academic journey looks the same. We are here to help you build a path to success in your studies!

Our Learning Skills team can help with:

  • Building effective learning and study strategies

  • Note-taking and reading skills
  • Exam and test preparation
  • Time management
  • Organization skills
  • Juggling school and your well-being
  • Direct you to University of Waterloo services, including learning support and tutorial services 

In-person and Virtual Learning Skills Support Drop-in Times

Drop-in learning support dates and times

Our Learning Skills Team offers weekly drop-in support in the Renison Library and online. Our drop-ins are a great time to talk to someone about any challenges you are facing with your studies and learn about the strategies and services that can support you.

This week’s drop-in hours are as follows:

  • Monday, Sept. 21 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm with Rubee in the Renison Library, and 2:45pm to 3:45pm with Diya in the Renison Library
  • Thursday, Sept. 24 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm with Kevin in the Renison Library

This week, we will be highlighting the following topic: connecting with campus resources

We are entering the second full week of the term, which means your coursework may start to feel a little more "real". It's normal to feel a little overwhelmed as the reality of your university workload hits you, but fear not! Your Learning Skills Team is here to help you connect with the services and resources on campus that are here to support you, including

  • Subject librarians and research guides
  • AccessAbility Services
  • Writing and Communication Centre
  • Faculty-specific services and resources

Can’t make a drop-in time? Scroll below to book a meeting time that works for you with one of our team members! 

How do we foster more engaged learners? With the support of student feedback from an online survey and consultation sessions, Renison Student Experience and Housing has developed a road map report to explore ways we can make Renison an event better place to learn and grow for our student community.

Meet our Learning Skills team!

Our small but mighty Learning Skills team is here to help you build the skills you need to thrive in the classroom, and help you navigate resources at the University of Waterloo to ensure your academic success. 
Diya Drabu

Diya Drabu

Learning Skills Peer Leader (Online Learners & Mature Students)

Diya (she/her) is our Learning Skills Peer Leader for mature students and online learners! Studying in the Sexuality, Relationships and Families (SRF) program, Diya's role is to help students navigate the systems, programs and processes at the University of Waterloo that may be confusing as a mature student or online learner. Diya is here to help build a welcoming community for mature students, online learners, and anyone who may be new to the Renison and University of Waterloo community.

A common challenge for many new mature students and online learners is building effective learning skills and study strategies with an already very busy schedule. Plus, Diya absolutely loves learning about people's experiences, cultures, and stories! In her free time, she loves learning new languages, dance, calligraphy, and henna designs! 

Meet with Diya about:

  • How to navigate the University of Waterloo websites (Quest, Portal, LEARN, Email, etc.)
  • Adjusting to life as a mature student or online student and building more effective time management strategies
  • Accessing University of Waterloo support services and what's available for you 
  • Confronting imposter syndrome and finding ways to feel like you belong in your classes (because you do!)
Rubee Kung

Rubee Kung

Learning Skills Peer Leader

Rubee (she/her) is a Learning Skills Peer Leader who is here to support all students registered in at least one course at Renison and/or living in Renison Residence! As a Learning Skills Peer Leader, Rubee can help you adjust your study strategies from high school and refine them for the new study environment that is university. Rubee loves understanding how the brain works, and enjoys working with students in developing real-life learning strategies that can help you to stay organized with your tests and assignments, while balancing that with your well-being and maintaining positive mental health. 

Meet with Rubee about:

  • Strengthening your study strategies (time management, note-taking, textbook reading)
  • How to access the many learning supports, tutorial centres, and supports at the University of Waterloo
  • How to juggle your well-being while building effective skills for your classes
Kevin White

Kevin White

Learning Skills Peer Leader

Kevin (he/him) is a Learning Skills Peer Leader and 4B Honours Social Development Studies student. Kevin loves being active in his community, and has worked as an actor, an elementary school librarian, and has been a consultant with the Waterloo Region Plan to End Chronic Homelessness since 2023. 

Kevin can help you with

  • Strengthening your communication skills, time management, and study skills
  • Building more leadership experience and finding resources on campus
  • Using library databases to support your writing
  • Introducing yourself to new people
AJ Dixon

Andrew Dixon

Learning Skills Advisor

Andrew completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria with bachelor's degrees in Education and Arts. As a Learning Skills Advisor, Andrew is here to support all students during their academic journey. Andrew can help you with:

  • Building effective learning strategies and study habits 
  • Time management strategies so you can keep track of tests, assignments, and appointments
  • Effective note-taking skills and getting the most out of your courses
  • Preparing for tests and quizzes and reducing test anxiety
  • Navigating the University of Waterloo campus services, including tutoring and learning support resources