Undergraduate study - 2025 entry
Edinburgh: Extraordinary futures await.

Study support

We provide help and guidance on how to study most effectively.

Undergraduate student taking notes during a lecture

We’ll work closely with you to help you:

  • become a confident, independent learner and play an active part in the University community
  • develop the graduate attributes required for success at the University and beyond.

Learning at university

Learning at university will often be different from school or college, and it may take some time to fully understand how to learn and study here.

You will need to get used to the different kinds of learning required in certain subject areas and the demands made as your programme of study progresses.

Lecturers and tutors will offer you guidance on studying and what they expect of you, but we also offer additional forms of support.

How you will learn

Academic support and guidance

Your first point of contact for teaching, academic advice and guidance will be within the programme or course you are studying.

A range of trained staff will work with you to help make the most of your studies while you progress through your university career.

Academic support and guidance

Peer support

We run a system of peer support in the form of student-run helpdesks, information points, academic families, buddying and mentoring.

This allows newer students to call on the help and advice of more experienced students as they progress through university life.

Effective study skills

Our Institute for Academic Development (IAD) can help you to develop effective learning techniques.

You can access resources and guidance on, for example, how to study effectively, write assignments and revise for your exams. These resources are available at any time.

The IAD also runs a series of workshops throughout the year on study skills topics. 

You can also arrange to receive one-to-one study advice by making an appointment.

Study support for international students

Prepare for Success is a web learning tool for international students who are getting ready to come to the UK for study.

It contains learning resources that help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study.