Whether you’ve just finished your A-levels and are to start at university this September, or you’re in your final year, it is never too late to pick up new ways of dealing with the academic side of higher education.
The biggest difference between university and A-levels is probably that studying at degree level involves much more independent study. Juggling essay deadlines, seminar reading lists, group work, and the non-academic aspects of university life isn’t all that easy. Here are a few books to help you ease your way into studying at university and to deal with those all-important deadlines.
The Study Skills Handbook by Dr. Stella Cottrell
I read this book right before I started university and I have gone back to it before every important deadline. From helping you to identify your learning style to providing a generic essay template, this book is the perfect introduction to studying at university for undergraduates. It covers all the key areas of university study, such as referencing and sourcing, research and oral presentations.
How to Get a First: The Essential Guide to Academic Success by Thomas Dixon
In this no-nonsense guidebook, Thomas Dixon covers all aspects of university-style study with advice on teaching and learning styles and how to manage your time effectively. This book helps de-mystify the first class degree and is particularly useful to those preparing to make the transition to university.
How to Write Better Essays by Bryan Greetham
It is never easy to know how to produce a well-structured essay that presents ideas and information in a logical and coherent way. This book is divided into different sections which include interpretation of the essay title (imagine if you get this wrong!), planning, research, referencing, sourcing, writing the actual essay and tips on how to review the final draft. I found this book very useful in my first year and continue to refer to it when I am stuck for ideas.
How to Use your Reading in your Essays by Jeanne Godfrey
Ok so you have understood your essay topic and checked out all the relevant books in the library. Now what? How do you integrate all those quotes and just how do you paraphrase all those authors to produce an essay that reflects your independent thought? This book guides you right through the process of effectively using your reading in your essays and is one book that I always have open whilst working on my essays.