Preparing for Academic Life in the UK

If you are an international student planning to come and study in further or higher education in the UK, you can use these learning materials to prepare yourself for academic life and improve your English language skills. Follow the items in the order that they are presented or choose a topic from the list. Click on the title to open the activities.

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Differences in university study
Listen to international students talking about differences in study they experienced when they came to the UK. Find out what differences there might be for you.

The language challenge
How prepared are you for the language challenge ahead? Watch a video to learn how other international students faced the challenge when they arrived and find out how you can prepare yourself.

Ways of being taught on your course
Explore four common ways of being taught on university courses in the UK. Find out what to expect in a lecture, a seminar, a tutorial and a workshop.

Preparing for online study
Do a quiz to discover how much of your time will be spent online during your studies. Listen to a university tutor talking about the technologies that students use on the course that she teaches.

Adapting to a new life
Watch a video in which students talk about the cultural challenges for students coming to the UK. Then assess yourself to find out how ready you are for them.

Studying independently
Consider different advice about how to study independently and then assess your own study habits.

Academic writing at university
Do a quiz to find out how prepared you are for the academic writing you will need to do at a British university.

Critical thinking
Explore what critical thinking involves and identify any skills that you might need to develop.

Understanding course assignments
Compare course assignments in the UK with those in your home country and practise interpreting essay titles set by British university tutors.

Using what you read in your academic writing
Learn about the correct ways to reference what you read in your own writing. Find out how to avoid plagiarism.

Your relationship with your tutors
Listen to a British student talking about his relationship with his tutors. Do a quiz to find out what to expect of university tutors in the UK.

Using study time effectively
Discover what the best study routine for you might be. Practise organising a day's timetable for an international student on a university course in the UK.

Managing your course work
Consider how you would manage the production of a 2000-word assignment.

Taking part in seminars
Listen to a British university tutor talking about what seminars are like and explaining what is expected of students.

Listening to lectures
Find out how lectures in the UK might be different from those you have attended before and listen for clues in a lecture that can help your understanding.

Reading for your course
Find out how you can manage your course reading list and learn to read more efficiently.

Skills for presenting in seminars
Think about the skills you will need if you are asked to give a presentation on your course. Watch a video of a student presenting to identify some useful techniques.

Working with others
Discover what group work involves and the kind of skills that students need to work together effectively.

Preparing for course work and exams
Listen to an interview with a student comparing exams in the UK with exams in her home country. Identify ways to deal with some common course work problems.

Settling down to study
Listen to student advice on how to settle down to study in the UK. Find out about an exciting competition for international students.

Reaching the end and taking the next step
Do a fun quiz to find out how much you remember. Send some feedback to us on what you think of Prepare for Success.