Postgraduate Research Space

The Postgraduate Research Space on level 3 of the ARC provides flexible hotdesking, informal networking and community building space for our PGR students.

All desks should be booked in advance via the UofG Helpdesk.

Map of level 3, showing the Post Graduate Research Space:

 

 

Quick Links

Book a desk

Booking a desk

To guarantee a space, desks need to be booked in advance via the UofG Helpdesk.

Some things to note:

  • If you do turn up without booking a desk then please be aware that you will need to move to another desk should someone else turn up with a booking for that particular desk. Please do not expect people who have booked to use another desk.
  • Desks can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance. You can make multiple bookings at once.
  • Desks can be booked in half day slots, mornings (9am to 1pm), and afternoons (1pm to 5pm).
  • You are responsible for ensuring your hardware is compatible with the docking stations provided. i.e. USB-C compatible.
  • There is flex space and collaborative space which is open to use and non-bookable. Please be considerate to other users when using this space and ensure spaces are not monopolised for large periods of time.

If you need help with desk booking, contact arc-reception@glasgow.ac.uk.

A password for the booking system can be supplied by your College Graduate School:

Getting connected

All desks are equipped with dual monitors and docking stations.

If you need to use wifi then you can find details of how to connect to Eduroam via IT services.

Contact arc-itsupport@glasgow.ac.uk if you have any connectivity issues.

 

Lockers

You will need to download the app to use the lockers in the ARC. The app is called ‘Releezeme locker app’ or ‘Vecos’.

Locker instructions:

  • Download the Releezeme locker or Vecos app
  • On the locker bank, press 'Link my phone', this will provide you with a QR code that needs to be scanned within the Releezeme app.
  • The app will ask you to register with an email address. Please use your UofG email address.
  • Go to your emails and locate the email sent to you by the Releezeme app. This may take a few minutes to come through. Click on the email and select the link within this email that confirms the registration of your device.
  • This will take you to a web page where you will need to confirm again that you are registering a new device. Press 'confirmation registration.' This will take you to another page where you will need to click the link to take you back to the app.
  • Once in the app select ‘reserve a locker’ and then ‘ARC building’. Then floor you wish to have a locker on and the select your desired locker from the list. The lockers are organised into banks, select the banks until you see the lockers that you require
  • If at this point the app advises there are no lockers available in the ARC, please go to reception and this issue can be fixed there.
  • The app will then advise you that you now have the locker, press open. At this point you will have 10 seconds to open the locker. The easiest way to do this is to press down on the number in the corner of the locker and the door should bounce open.
  • Once you have placed your belongings in the locker close the door. This locker is now registered to you. You can visit the locker as many times as you want through the app, and you can retain the same locker for as long as you like.
  • Once you are finished using the locker for good then you must release the locker on the app and that locker will no longer be registered to you once this is done.
  • If you would like your staff/ student card linked to your locker account, then please visit reception and this can be done for you. It is recommended that when you first obtain a locker that you do this through the app as this gives you the ability to choose which locker. If you use your card in the first instance, then it will allocate you a locker that might be further away from where you are working than you would like. Once you have obtained a locker through the app you will be able to open and close the locker with the use of your card.

If you have any issues with the lockers or are unable to retrieve your belongings, then please go to reception and they will be able to open your locker for you.

Our shared principles of use

Working in a new space is exciting and also challenging.  We’ve suggested some ideas around etiquette, also known as principles of use, to help each other get the most out of our new space.

These principles are designed to enhance our interactions, respect our privacy needs and promote effective use of our shared resources with tips for everyone to use to get the benefit of the new space.

What if things aren’t working well?

While we all adjust to working in a more open environment, issues can arise. Try having a chat as individuals or as a team as questions arise. If you have any thoughts on the space and how it is being used then please contact ARC Management.

Our principles of use:

Private/sensitive conversations:

  • where possible, sensitive conversations should take place in one of the meeting rooms or in a quiet space within the ARC.
  • where this is not possible, be mindful that staff from across the University may be within earshot so be careful what you say in an open-plan setting.
  • it is perfectly acceptable to hold a non-private/sensitive meeting at your desk or any of the open-plan collaborative work spaces. If using Teams or Zoom at your desk, wear a headset so your colleagues are only hearing one side of the conversation.

Kitchen use:

  • remember that the kitchen is a shared space so please keep it clean for others to use and enjoy.
  • wash up any items you use and put them away in the cupboards, or pop them in the dishwasher.
  • if you make use of the coffee machine, empty the drip tray at the end of your working day.
  • if you notice the dishwasher is full, pop in a cleaning tablet and turn it on.
  • if you notice the dishwasher needs emptying, take 5 mins to empty it.
  • clean up any spillages or crumbs, both by the tea/coffee making area and on the kitchen/bar area.
  • You will need to supply your own milk, please do not use other's without their permission.
  • Do not use the kitchen as a workspace or general social space – others may need the space to eat food.

Desk use:

  • when you have finished using a desk for the day ensure it is left clean and clear for the next user.
  • do not leave any personal items on desks overnight. Take them home or store them in a locker.
  • please don’t eat over your keyboard. The keyboards are used by others and no-one wants to come in and use a keyboard full of crumbs! 

Sound travels. Here are a few ways you can help keep the workplace from becoming too noisy:

  • Move to a collaboration or flex space. If you are having a lengthy conversation with more than one colleague then please consider moving to a quieter spot. Remember you don’t need to do everything at a desk anymore. There are a variety of enclosed and open spaces on level 3, so try moving to one of the collaboration or flex areas.
  • Use an “indoor voice”. Try to speak in a moderate tone, especially when you are on the phone.
  • Never use a speakerphone in the open office. Keep mobile phone ring tones at an appropriate level and turn off unnecessary technology sounds which may disturb others.
  • Be mindful of others around you. Head to a kitchen area or collaboration zone if discussions are likely to become lively and animated.

Quiet time/space. If you need some focus time on your own then:

  • Move to the flex space. Just like working in a coffee shop, the ‘flex spaces’ around the ARC provide space where you can spend time to be anonymous and avoid interruptions.
  • Use headphones to signal when you are busy or when you simply need to concentrate without being disturbed – and look out for others doing the same.

Happy and healthy. There’s lots to think about when we work in a new environment, take time to adjust to your new desk space:

  • Properly adjust your chair so that you can be seated comfortably with feet flat on the floor.
  • Set your keyboard to allow for a minimal bend at the wrist, with relaxed forearms and elbows close to your sides.
  • Adjust your monitors to reduce screen glare and improve viewing distances.
  • Research shows that changing postures throughout the day is physically energising and mentally stimulating, supporting different work modes and overall wellbeing.
  • Take regular breaks, use the sit-to-stand desks to adjust your posture, and walk around and explore our new office space and the facilities around ARC.
  • Familiarise yourselves with the evacuation procedures, and your nearest emergency exit.

Security. Office security is an important factor to consider when working within a shared office building. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Wear your lanyard and staff card at all times.
  • Download and use the Safe Zone app particularly when working out of hours.
  • Lock your personal belongings into a locker
  • Ensure sensitive information is not left on your desk or visible on your screens, remember to Lock your laptop when you walk away.

Reporting issues

Please report any issues, e.g., equipment not working correctly, missing cable, broken tap, blocked toilet, etc. to arc-reception@glasgow.ac.uk  and the team will take care of it.

Useful contacts

For any enquiries about the PGR Space, please speak to one of the College of Science & Engineering Doctoral Training Hub team (situated at the desks nearest the window of the PGR space) or contact eng-dthub@glasgow.ac.uk.

Looking for specific support/information with technology, furniture in the Hub or further info on the ARC? Get in touch with the dedicated teams: