Core Study Skills for University Students
University life comes with new challenges and opportunities. Unlike school or college, you’ll experience more independence and face more in-depth essays and projects. While some may find this exciting, many will feel unsure about where to start. Add to this the responsibility of managing your own time and striking a balance between academic work and social activities, and it can feel a little overwhelming. To help, here are five essential study skills to master for a successful university experience.
1. Time Management
University schedules often differ significantly from what you’re used to, with more independent study time. While it’s tempting to spend this free time catching up on your favorite TV shows, effective time management can help you stay on track and reduce stress.
Each week, use a calendar app on your phone or laptop to plan your tasks. Schedule study sessions, essay writing, household chores like laundry or grocery shopping, and—just as importantly—time for society activities and socializing with friends. Balancing these priorities through careful planning will make it easier to keep on top of everything.
2. Organisation and Planning
Good organisation goes hand-in-hand with time management. Start by creating folders on your laptop or tablet for each subject or module so you can easily find your notes. To-do lists are another great tool—try writing tasks in order of priority or breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps.
If you hold a committee role in a society or sports team, organizing meetings and events can help you stay on top of responsibilities while identifying who can assist with certain tasks. Find a method of organisation that works for you, whether digital tools or handwritten planners, and stick with it.
3. Critical Reading
A common piece of feedback at university is to "be more critical" in your work. This means evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the materials you read and incorporating this analysis into your writing. For many, this skill isn’t emphasized at A Level and can feel intimidating at first.
Take advantage of your university’s study skills team, who can teach you how to approach critical analysis. Tutors can also offer advice, so don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. Developing critical reading skills will help you write stronger essays and improve your overall academic performance.
4. Using Feedback Effectively
When you receive your assignments back, it’s tempting to glance at the grade and move on. But feedback is a valuable resource that can help you improve significantly on future assignments.
Start by reading your tutor’s comments carefully and highlighting anything unclear. Use office hours or arrange a meeting to go through your feedback with them. They’re there to support you and want to see you improve. Many universities also offer additional support, such as Writing Fellows at the University of Bristol, who can help you understand and apply feedback. Check your university’s website for similar resources, and make feedback a key part of your learning process.
5. Essay Writing, Exams, and Adaptability
Every university course has its own approach to assessment. While some are coursework-based, others include exams, annotated bibliographies, reports, or presentations. It’s crucial to develop the skills needed for each type of assessment.
If your course focuses on essays, practice planning, structuring, and writing them effectively. For exams, try timed practice essays or mock exams. For presentations or reports, look up guidance on your university’s website—or even from other universities. Many offer tailored resources, like "how to write for a leaflet" or tips for delivering presentations. Adaptability is key to excelling across various types of assessments.
Mastering these five skills—time management, organisation, critical reading, feedback usage, and adaptability—will not only ease the transition to university life but also set you up for success in both your academic and personal life.
