How you will learn

When starting a degree at university, it is likely that the learning style will be quite different to anything you have experienced before. It is helpful to get familiar with the differences and work out what is expected of you before you start.

University experiences will differ between different students, depending on experiences and expectations. Each academic area of the University also has the freedom to teach in the way that best suits the discipline and materials. We have identified some key areas that will likely be different from what you are used to.  

Structure differences

School vs University Learning
School University What this means for you
Timetables Structured, full days of classes with little choice over timings. Classes usually take place close together. Lectures, tutorials, and labs are timetabled, but there is more independent learning time. Teaching is spread across campus. I’ll need to learn my way around campus and plan my time, including when and where I study between classes.
Learning providers Teachers cover a broad range of subjects and see students regularly. Academics are subject specialists. Contact is less frequent, but support is available through office hours and email. I should use office hours and ask questions. Academics expect this and are there to support my learning.
Class sizes Smaller classes (around 20–40 students). Large lectures (often up to 500 students), with much smaller tutorials or lab groups (around 14–20). In large lectures, I’ll need to take clear notes and stay focused. Tutorials are where I can ask questions and take part.
Learning style Learning is guided closely, with clear instructions on what and how to study. Learning is more independent. You’re introduced to key ideas and expected to build understanding yourself. I’ll need to set aside regular study time, find study spaces that work for me, and get comfortable learning independently

Key Skills You’ll Use Every Week at University

Communication: speak up, share ideas, get confident

University learning is interactive. You’ll be expected to take part, not just listen. This might mean:

  • Discussing key topics with other students
  • Working on group projects
  • Giving presentations
  • Asking questions in class or online

These activities help you build confidence, practise professional communication, and learn how to work with people who think differently from you — skills you’ll use well beyond university.

Note-taking: capture what matters

You won’t be able to write down everything — and you’re not expected to.

Instead, focus on:

  • Summarising key ideas in your own words
  • Noting main concepts, key names, and sources
  • Flagging anything you don’t understand so you can follow it up later

Good note-taking is about understanding, not transcription.

Reading: read with purpose

Between classes, you’ll be expected to complete core reading. How much you read will depend on your subject, but every reading has a purpose.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I reading to understand a key concept?
  • To improve my academic writing?
  • To support an assignment?

Each course has a reading list (usually available once teaching starts). This is your starting point. You’ll also be expected to read more widely, learning how to find reliable academic sources and reference them correctly — a key university skill.

Critical thinking: go beyond “what it says”

At university, it’s not enough to show that you’ve read something.

You’ll be expected to:

  • Question ideas and evidence
  • Compare different viewpoints
  • Decide what you agree or disagree with — and why

Critical thinking is essential for success at university and is highly valued by employers.

Academic writing: a skill you’ll build over time

Academic writing is formal, structured, and subject-specific. You’ll learn how to:

  • Plan and structure your work
  • Write clearly within a word limit
  • Edit, proofread, and improve drafts

Good academic writing takes time, so plan ahead and give yourself space to draft and revise. This is a skill you’ll develop throughout your degree — not something you’re expected to perfect straight away.

 

Don’t worry if this feels new

Everything described here is a skill you’ll develop over time — you are not expected to arrive already knowing how to do all of this.

University is designed to teach you how to learn, read, think, and write at this level. Your lecturers, tutors, and support services understand that everyone comes from different educational backgrounds, and they will guide you as you build confidence and experience.

If something feels challenging at first, that’s completely normal — and support is available whenever you need it.

Support

Do you want to know how to get started with your degree and what’s expected of you? Or how does academia work and what’s your place in it? Or how to work towards achieving your best marks possible?

The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) can offer support and resources for students throughout their studies, particularly for those just starting their degree.

Undergraduates:

How to Succeed at University

Masters/Taught postgraduates:

Getting Ready for your studies

Academic terminology

You may hear some expressions that are unique to university when you start.

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