Chocca block with happy readers

Posted on 25 November 2025 by kharris

New traditions

Over the last two weeks we hosted the latest events from our Wellbeing Calendar, providing free hot chocolate to any member of the University community who dropped in during the sessions held on the mornings of Thursday 13th and Tuesday 18th November.

As we approach the end of term, and deadlines loom, we know it can seem even more difficult to take the breaks you should so we thought there was no better time to offer an incentive to enjoy a sweet, warming treat on us.

Free Hot Chocolate at the RSL is rapidly becoming amongst the most looked forward to dates in our Wellbeing Calendar and we are well on the way to establishing them as a real winter tradition of our own, almost two years after the inaugural event.

New Records!

Back in 2024, we served almost 90 hot chocolates to grateful readers as part of our Wellbeing week. In 2025 we doubled that filling and giving out almost 200 warming cups over the two days as over 60 people visited us on the 13th November and a whopping 120 waited patiently for their turn between 10.00 & 11.30am on Tuesday 18th. That’s something like 50 litres of hot chocolate (and a whole lot of marshmallows) going out at an average rate quicker than a cup a minute to some very happy students. The efforts of the RSL team were much appreciated by the readers. They made sure that everyone was served promptly but never forgetting that the perfect hot chocolate is always properly stirred (not shaken!)

Some took the opportunity to take five and relax with friends whilst for others it was pour into the takeaway cup, on with the lid and straight out back to work (with that extra warm spring in their step).

Four female students smile with their hot chocolate

A close up shot of a cup of hot chocolate. The cup is full of small marshmallows floating in the top

Old Friends and New…..

The best part of any event is knowing that the people who took the time out to visit enjoyed it. We met everyone from RSL Wellbeing Room regulars to the casual library users. Everyone had a big smile on their face but hey, chocolate and marshmallows are supposed to do that to a person!

For a couple of undergraduates, it was a first ever visit to our library having been rounded up by an RSL regular who had insisted that the provision of free hot chocolate must dictate study location on the groupchat the night before

We received some fantastic feedback including a first time visitor who said that the Wellbeing space was wonderful (and so was the chocolate). A frequent reader noted that the evolving nature of the Wellbeing Room and the different things we are able to offer had them coming back “…to see what great stuff you have added next.” Another commented that they thought the free chocolate was such a lovely idea, thanked the team and said they thought that the “… RSL is the only library doing nice things like this”.

New Chocolate dates, New Events & New ideas

The value of taking regular breaks should never be underestimated so remember that outside of the events calendar, the Wellbeing Room is available to everyone, every day from 2pm – 5pm.

Don’t be blue if you missed out on the free hot chocolate this time, we’ll be back with more dates in the Hilary term. Keep an eye on the events calendar on the RSL website for this and other activities you can be a part of. Enjoy a break and aid your studies by taking the time to look after your own wellbeing.

If you have any ideas for events (or items) that you think would enhance the offering of the RSL Wellbeing Room then why not drop us a line to rsl-wellbeing@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

A group of student women sit on a corner sofa enjoying their hot chocolate. Another student is writing on the desk. Only his arm is in shot

Two smiling female students stand wrapped up ready to go out into the cold with their take away hot chocolate. There is a snowy plastic fir tree in the background behind them

Wellbeing at the Radcliffe Science Library

Posted on 8 October 2025 by kharris

As we start a new term, we wanted to take the opportunity to let both new undergraduates and returning readers know about the facilities and events here at the library to support your personal wellbeing. Making the time to take a break will allow you to be more rested, energised, and prepared for your everyday challenges.

RSL Wellbeing Room

The Wellbeing Room is located on the lower ground floor of the library and can be accessed using your library card. The room is spacious, calm and full of diversions to help clear the mind of ever growing to-do lists. From jigsaws and board games to bean bags and soft toys, there’s something for pretty much everyone who just wants to enjoy that bit of quiet time. We have a selection of wellbeing books, which are available to borrow, and the room itself can be booked by e-mailing rsl-wellbeing@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. The Wellbeing Room is kept free for drop in visitors every weekday from 2-5pm so you can be sure that, in the event of a stressful morning, there is always some respite available in the sanctuary of this space.

Photograph. A wide shot of the interior of the Wellbeing Room. It shows shelving full of books and games with a large screen in the centre. There are comfy armchairs and potted plants in the foreground

Photograph of a colouring book and a set of coloured pencils on a table top. One page of the book is completed and coloured in, the other just the unused outline

The regular building blocks of wellbeing…

As well as the daily drop in slot, the library offers a series of regular events to get your creative juices flowing and help sooth body and mind. Every Wednesday we host a double header, starting with free tea & coffee available from 10am-12 noon in the vending area. After a caffeine hit, remind yourself that everything is awesome with Lego Lunch from 1-2pm in the Wellbeing Room. There are various sets to choose from – will you follow instructions or simply freeform your way to master builder status? No bookings are required for either of these weekly sessions.

Need to slow the pace and chill with like minded others? On the 1st Tuesday of every month the Wellbeing Room hosts ‘Craft & Chat’ where you can wax lyrical about wool or let off some steam with a good old chunter as you crochet. You can book these sessions through our Wellbeing calendar here.

Things get on top of all of us from time to time and we are here to help you shed those nagging woes as the Wellbeing Room houses the RSL Worry Box. Pour in your concerns, big or small, throughout the course of term and we’ll get together for an extremely cathartic shredding event at year end.

Photograph of a Peacock made out of Lego. The colourful Lego feathers are on full display

Image features a desk top post box. Red in colour featuring the words 'Worry Box' above the letter slot. A female had is posing a piece of paper into the box

Can we interest you in one of our specials?

Keep a regular eye on the Wellbeing calendar as additional events are added throughout the year. Highlights this term include a warming winter treat where we’ll be dishing out free Hot Chocolate and a Mindfulness session with Susan Hargreaves (helping us with the tools to gather scattered thoughts and train our attention). Registration for these special events will open a few weeks prior to the date of the activity.

Stylised image of a blue and white mug in the snow. Steam is coming off the brown liquid and a caption reads 'Get a warm hug in a mug'

Suggestions

What’s missing? The current offering in the Wellbeing Room was developed through the feedback of library users and it will be you that helps us with the next steps. There is a whiteboard in the Wellbeing Room where you can jot down anything that occurs to you or use the rsl-wellbeing e-mail to share your thoughts on the facilities themselves or any ideas for potential new events.

Wider wellbeing

The commitment to supporting you and your wellbeing extends beyond the RSL, throughout the Bodleian libraries estate and across the wider University. Find details of what the Bodleian has to offer and explore the University of Oxford student Welfare & Wellbeing hub.

Focus Fix: Pomodoro Sessions for Science Researchers

Posted on 16 June 2025 by rachelscanlon

Photograph of woman staring at a laptop looking stressed biting down on a pecil so that it is out either side of her mouth.

Do you find it hard to focus on your thesis writing without interruptions? Procrastinating over finishing a conference poster? Never enough time to read that new paper? If you’re having issues like these a library pomodoro session might be just the thing for you!

What is a pomodoro session?

A pomodoro session is a study technique that aims to create protected, distraction free time for you to work. Many people find maintaining focus on a task for more than 25 – 30 minutes at a time challenging. In a pomodoro session, work is broken into 25-minute chunks, separated by 5-minute breaks. These 5-minute breaks allow your concentration to ‘reset’ meaning you can be more focused and productive across the session. Pomodoro sessions usually last between 2 – 3 hours.

Why is it called ‘Pomodoro’?

Photograph of a tomato shaped timer — Il pomodoro by Francesco Cirillo via Wikicommons CC BY-SA 3.0

The original creator of the pomodoro technique was Francesco Cirillo. He used a mechanical, tomato shaped kitchen timer. ‘Pomodoro’ is the Italian word for ‘tomato’.

Why do a pomodoro session at the library?

Photograph of several students in the RSL reading room. — Photograph by John Cairns.

All you need for a pomodoro session on your own is a quiet space and a timer. However, when doing pomodoro on your own, you can be more susceptible to distractions or not following the timings. In a library pomodoro, you will be working in a quiet group study area with other people. A librarian will run the session and manage the timing. Working around other people may help you stay motivated and focused. At the end of the library session, there is an opportunity for you to socialise with colleagues over free tea and coffee.

Top tips for getting the most out of pomodoro

Set a goal – decide what you want to achieve at the session before you come. Make a to-do list if you have several tasks.
Kill distractions – no phones, no e-mail or social media notifications and switch devices to ‘Do not disturb’ and silent mode.
Review – at the end of the pomodoro take a few minutes to review what you’ve achieved and update your to-do list.

You’ll find further tips on our guides: Getting the most out of a pomodoro and a Pomodoro etiquette.

Getting_the_most_out_of_a_pomodoro_session Download

Pomodoro_Etiquette_Guide Download

Where can I find more information about the Pomodoro technique?

YouTube Video from the Open University on the Pomodoro technique
Background information with further literature links from Derby University
Book ‘Pomodoro Technique Illustrated’ / Francesco Cirillo

Can I come to a pomodoro session at the library?

We are offering Pomodoro sessions in the first week of each month from July to December. You can book online using the link below. Booking opens 6 weeks before the date of each session. We offer a choice of 2 or 3-hour sessions.

Book a pomodoro study session space

Wellbeing in the RSL over Trinity Term

Posted on 7 May 2025 by rachelscanlon

We Trinity term can be particularly stressful with exams and projects due. Even so, taking a break is important for your mental health and overall wellbeing. To help with this the Radcliffe Science Library has a range of activities available for students as part of our Wellbeing Programme. Below we’ve listed some of our upcoming

Yoga for students

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of student life and treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care. Our expert instructor Hinny Wass will lead you through an energising and stress relieving yoga session suitable for beginners.

Friday 9 May or Tuesday 20 May

Book your place on our calendar.

Photograph of three women in a row performing a yoga pose. They are facing away from the camera.

Mental Health Awareness Week

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) is working with the MPLS division to help support Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 (Week 3 Trinity Term, 12—16 May). There are a range of great events taking place in the RSL including: A Blooming Good Time, our planting event, and Blind Date with a Book. All members of the University of Oxford are welcome to book on events.

Find booking and information on the MPLS website.

Photograph of two young women putting young plants in pots and smiling.

Free Ice Cream

Whether you’ve finished your exams or are still studying hard, you deserve a break! Pop in to the Radcliffe Science Library and pick up a free ice-cream on us. There are vegan and gluten free options, so something to please nearly everyone.

We’ll serve 10am-12pm or until it is gone.

Photograph of three female unioversity students smiling and holding ice cream cones.

Regular events

We will continue to arrange our regular events including Lego Lunch, every Wednesday 1-2pm, Craft & Chat, 1^st Tuesday of the Month, free tea and coffee every Wednesday morning in term and making our Worry Box available all term. Check our Wellbeing Calendar for more.

Photograph of two male students with hot chocolate smiling.

The Worry Box

Posted on 20 December 2024 by rachelscanlon

What is a worry box?

Photograph of the worry box. It resembles a small wooden post/mail box.

A worry box is a tool used to manage anxiety and stress by providing a place to “store” worries. The idea is to write down your worries, fears, or concerns on a piece of paper and place them inside the box, symbolically setting them aside. The activity helps people to release their worries and stresses. It can be helpful to know that the worry is gone and is aiding in the growth of something new.

Launching the worry box

Near the start of November we launched a worry box in the Wellbeing Room in the Radcliffe Science Library. Whilst eating some cake to celebrate the launch, students wrote down their worries and posted them in the worry box.

Throughout the term students and staff continued to add their worries to the box.

Two smiling female students posting worry in worry box.

Shredding the worries

In 8th week of Michaelmas Term we had a little ceremony to shred the worries. With more cake, tea and coffee, naturally.

We kept the the worries anonymous but had a lot of fun shredding them. Students gave some very positive feedback on the worry box.

This is great. I wrote a really long note and felt so much better once I posted it.
Student feedback

The shredding was then taken by Rodger Caseby from the team at the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum. The worries that people released during the term will become fertiliser helping plants in the Botanic Gardens grow. The paper chosen for the worries was specially selected to be be biodegradeable.

Rodger Caseby holding plastic bag. — Rodger bringing the shredding to the gardens.

Going forward

Photograph of hand posting worry in worry box .

Our worry box will be in the Wellbeing Room again in Hilary Term. Pop in and try releasing some of your worries.

We’ll have another shredding ceremony on Tuesday 11 March. Join us for some shredding, and more cake. More details are available in our Wellbeing Calendar.

Celebrating Diversity in Science and Medicine – Exhibition and networking event at the Radcliffe Science Library

Posted on 26 June 2024 by thomascorrick

On April 30th, the Radcliffe Science Library hosted an EDI networking event showcasing the “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” exhibition from Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network. Representatives from local networks, Oxford University Black Medics, OxFemTech, Women in Computing Science were also part of the highlight of the event to promote the support they offer to their peers.

A photograph of a woman looking at an exhibition focused on EDI.

A student inspects the exhibition

The “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” ignited discussions on diversity in science, knowledge sharing and follow-up collaborations.

Attendees enjoyed meeting new people and listening to the guest speakers, Laura Eghobamien, founder of the Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network (BMSN), and James Bell, the photographer.

Laura Eghobamien networking with a guest

Those who had not visited the library since its renovation took the opportunity to have a tour and view its new inclusive portraiture.

A photo of a woman working in a lab. at a

One of the new portraits on display in the RSL

Laura Eghobamien, James Bell and the Radcliffe Science Library are interested in expanding the exhibit with portraits of black scientists at Oxford.

If you would like to learn more about the exhibit and have photographs taken, please contact BlackMedical and Scientific Network blackmedicalscientificnetwork@gmail.com or karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

A photograph of 3 people standing in front of a display

From Left to right: Karine Barker, Laura Eghobamien, James Bell

Feedback from participants:

“It was much more powerful than I expected to see all these beautiful portraits shown together. In principle I’ve always been aware that this kind of representation is important, but such a strong demonstration of the power was really important. Inspiring”

“Thank you for the event, it was really inspiring, I made such amazing connections and got to talk about diversity in medical sciences and diversity.”

You said, we did

Posted on 13 May 2024 by thomascorrick

You said, we did!

The RSL team have been working hard to gather your feedback on the newly reopened library. You may have left a suggested on the feedback whiteboard, or maybe you had a chat with one of us. We received an eclectic range of suggestions and we took it all on board and are pleased to show you some of the cool new stuff you asked for!

(To those who requested it: Sorry, we won’t be getting an RSL cat any time soon…)

Vending machines!

Our new vending machines offer snacks, cold drinks, and hot drinks

There are now two vending machines in the vending area. Here you can purchase a variety of snacks as well as cold and hot drinks. Cards and cash are accepted.

Lids for drinks!

If you’re purchasing a drink from one of the vending machines, please help yourself to a lid from the counter.

Lids can be found on the kitchenette counter

Remember:

Drinking water and drinks contained in a KeepCup or another container with a sealable lid are allowed throughout the RSL. Other food and drinks are not allowed in the reading rooms or on the stairs. Cold food and drinks in sealed cups are allowed in certain spaces; please check the signage.

More seating!

We’re still figuring out some aspects of the new layout, but we’ve found the space to bring in more seating.

Extra tables can be found in the social study space and reading rooms

Laptop stands!

We’ve purchased height adjustable laptop stands for all reading rooms.

Feel free to grab a laptop stand and get settled in

Sanitary products!

There’s now free tampons and pads in all RSL bathrooms for those moments when you need them. Let a member of staff know if we’ve run out or are getting low.

A range of pads and tampons are available in all RSL toilets

Wellbeing goodies!

If you’ve been to the wellbeing room recently (situated on the lower floor, floorplan here) you might have noticed an increase in activities on offer: We’ve added in more of the things you have asked for: markers, chess set, uno, and even more paper for origami.

Think you can do better? Give it a go!

Don’t forget to pop into one of our Lego lunches which run in the Wellbeing Room 1300-1400 on Wednesdays.

We’re continually looking to improve the RSL, so please do drop us a line if you have any comments or suggestions: enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Wellbeing in the RSL

Posted on 7 May 2024 by rachelscanlon

We know Trinity Term can be very stressful with deadlines and exams.If you need a break you can always drop in to the Wellbeing Room. It has bean bags comfortable sofas and new nature inspired art. There are also a range of crafts and games available in the room to help you relax and refresh. Sometimes the room is booked for events, see someof the activities we have planned below, but you can drop in whenever the room is free. And it is always free for drop in between 2 and 5pm, weekdays.

Photograph of the RSL Wellbeing room showing a sofa bean bags and cushions.

Relax in our Wellbeing Room

Wellbeing Activities

It can be difficult to take time for yourself especially when you feel under pressure. To help manage your stress and give you something to add to your diary the Radcliffe Science Library has arranged plenty of wellbeing activities during the term.

: Book a place on origami sessions

: Stroll on a Nature Walk

: Try our Lego Lunch

: Build and create

Along with our usual Lego Lunches (Wednesdays 1-2pm) we have also organised some experts to lead sessions for students on yoga on 14 May 09-10am, and origami on 9 May 13.00-14.00 and 23 May 13.00-14.00. Spaces are limited so remember to book your place.

Nature Walks

Due to popular demand we are repeating our bird song nature walk, this time in a morning slot to better hear the birds.Book your place on the walk 9.15-10.15, 30 April. If you prefer a lunch time strioll why not join our walk on 13 May 1-2pm. We’ll be concentrating on bees this time with handouts to help us identify which types are in the parks!

Free Tea& Coffee

Sometimes activities and classes aren’t of interest, and you just want a good tea or coffee. No booking needed just pop into the vending area in the Radcliffe Science Library on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, during term, and get yourself a cuppa. We’ll be serving complimentary tea and coffee every Wednesday in term. You deserve it!

To see the range of Wellbeing activities we are offering at the RSL check out our Wellbeing calendar. This shows all our activities both drop in and bookable.

Group Study Spaces in the RSL

Posted on 29 April 2024 by thomascorrick

Do you work better with others? Have a group project deadline looming? Need access to an AV suite?

The RSL has 5 group study rooms and a seminar room available for any reader to book for academic purposes!

You can book a room here.

Group Study Rooms

Photograph of a group study room featuring a desk surrounded by chairs and shelving, along with a monitor attached to the wall.

Group Study Room second floor reading room

Two of our rooms are equipped with screens, cameras, and microphones and all group study rooms have whiteboards. There is step free free access to all rooms and height adjustable furniture is available in selected rooms.

Group study room with Teams functionality

The booking page gives you a full breakdown of which facilities are available in each room.

Seminar Room

For Trinity Term the Seminar Room can be booked by groups from 9am to 11am. At other times it will be available as a drop in study space.

Seminar Room in meeting layout

You can book a room here.

You asked for more space so we’re providing it!

Accessible lift out of order

Posted on 22 April 2024 by rachelscanlon

Accessible lift out of order

The accessible lift in the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) is currently out of order. This means there is no level-access to the lower-ground floor and the Quiet Reading Room.

The small lift, which gives access to the Informal Reading Room and Group Study Rooms 2, 3 and 4, can accommodate smaller wheelchairs. For questions on accessing the library contact marija.babic@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

We apologise for the inconvenience and are working to fix this as a matter of urgency.

The Weston Library, the Social Science Library, and the Vere Harmsworth Library all have level access and bookable group study rooms.