A new semester is upon us and that means it’s time for new classes, fresh routines, and another shot at doing things a little differently. Maybe you’ve already done the traditional spring cleaning - cleared out the inbox, reorganized your planner, or finally cleaned the binder that has been collecting all the spare papers. These small resets can be surprisingly powerful at clearing up mental space and resetting your focus. It’s not just your physical space that deserves a refresh, your study life might need one too. Thankfully for you, the library has you covered.
The South College Library is more than just a place to check out laptops, it’s also designed to support your academic success. Whether you want to build better habits, stay ahead of your workload, or just find a consistent place to focus, the library offers the tools and environment to help.
Rethink Your Study Environment
The foundation to strong study habits starts with your environment. Prioritizing a clean, quiet, and designated place to work can make it easier to get in the zone and maintain your focus. It also helps create a clear separation between your academic and personal life. If you're near a South College campus, you have access to library and resource spaces that can become your go-to study zone.
There are also great places to collaborate with classmates, building accountability and shared motivation - two things that are easy to lose midway through the semester. Check with your campus to see what study spaces are available, as some locations offer additional study rooms you can utilize.
Make the Most of Your Tools
The beginning of a new term is the perfect time to get well acquainted with the resources available to you, before you're buried in due dates. The library webpage includes many guides tailored to specific subjects, each program, and even some individual courses. These resources are designed to bring all the related resources together in one place so you are able to find credible, relevant information quickly.
Know Where to Turn for Help
If you find yourself stuck on something, do not wait! The Ask the Library chat button directly connects you to library staff for quick help with research or using resources. For more in-depth support, each program has a librarian assigned who knows your field and can meet with you in person or via zoom.
This spring, consider giving your study habits the same thoughtful refresh you’d give your physical space. You might be surprised by how a little intention now can lead to a semester that
feels more manageable, more productive, and a little lighter to carry. Whether you're on campus or working from home, the library is here to support you every step of the way!
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere these days, from the news headlines to the apps on your phone. But did you know it can also be a helpful companion in your studies? Tools like ChatGPT can support your learning journey if you use them thoughtfully and ethically.
Here at South College, we care deeply about academic integrity. The AI tools you might use, like ChatGPT, are incredibly powerful, but they are not meant to replace your own critical thinking or research skills. Think of them as a study buddy. They can help clarify tricky concepts or spark ideas, but they should never do the heavy lifting for you.
Ways to Use AI to Support (Not Replace) Your Learning
If you've ever stared blankly at a complicated journal article or dense textbook chapter, you’re not alone. One great way to use AI ethically is to ask it to paraphrase or simplify tough text so you can understand it better. You are still responsible for doing the actual work, like reading, analyzing, and forming your own conclusions, but this can help you get past that initial “what is this even saying?” moment.
Another helpful idea is to use ChatGPT to organize your time. Try feeding it all your upcoming assignments and due dates, then ask for a sample study schedule. You can adjust the plan to fit your style, but it is a great starting point when things feel overwhelming.
Need help brainstorming paper topics? You can bounce ideas off ChatGPT and get suggestions for themes or angles to explore. Just remember, coming up with the final thesis and arguments is your responsibility.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While AI can be a great helper, there are lines you should not cross. For example, at South College, if you use AI-generated content in your assignments, you need to properly cite it. Submitting AI-generated work as your own without acknowledging it could lead to academic penalties under the Academic Honor Code.
It is also important not to use AI to do assignments that require your personal analysis, creative thinking, or moral reasoning. Your professors want to hear your voice and see your skills grow. AI is not capable of ethical judgment or genuine creativity. That is all you.
Plus, avoid using AI for tasks that involve interacting with people, like interviewing subjects for a research project. AI might sound smart, but it cannot replicate real human experiences or emotions.
Check Yourself Before You Submit
A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, "Am I using this tool to understand and support my learning, or to do the work for me?"
When in doubt, always check the South College AI Policy. You can find it in the Student Handbook or on our library’s AI resource guide. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and it will help you feel confident that you are staying on the right side of academic integrity.
If you are curious to learn more about AI, we have a lot of additional resources available. From videos and documentaries to ebooks, you can take a deep dive into the history, use, and future potential of AI. You can find these through our AI library guide, which includes content from Films On Demand and carefully curated ebooks from the South College Library.
At the end of the day, AI can be an amazing partner in your education. Just remember, it should always help you shine, not take your place.