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University of Sunderland Library

Study Skills- Transitioning to University

A guide to some skills to develop when transitioning to university study.

Preparing for study at UoS

Many aspects of your course and the resources you need for it, will be online. Some of the digital tools used on university programmes include:

  • email
  • Microsoft 365 including Word and PowerPoint
  • Google Docs
  • Canvas
  • Digital Pen and Paper

You'll get your university email address allocated when you enroll. Your lecturers, tutors and professional staff will all use to communicate important information to you about your course, timetable changes and so on. 

Information will also be available on Canvas and you'll be enrolled to a module space for each module you're studying. This is where you'll find course materials - readings, PowerPoints, module handbooks - and a dedicated place to submit your assignments. Please explore Canvas to use it to your full advantage.

Microsoft 365 includes Word and PowerPoint which you'll use to produce your assignments and presentations - all university PCs and laptops have Microsoft 365 loaded onto them. Get help with Microsoft 365 here.

Digital Tools

If you would like to refresh your digital skills, you can work through the Digital US module on your canvas page. 

Discover Digital US and the welcome video at the link below.

If you want to learn more about using Digital US on Canvas you can book on to the Getting Started with Digital US sessions run from St Peter's Library and Library@Murray at the link below:

Staying motivated!

Having the freedom to decide when and where to study gives you great freedom but it can be difficult to stay motivated, especially if you don't see your course mates or lecturers in person regularly.

Here are some hints and tips to help you stay motivated at uni:

  • experiment with different study routines, maybe working at different times of the day and/or setting realistic study goals 
  • chatting to course mates, if you don't/can't meet in person why not try the discussion boards and group chats? 
  • make 'to do lists' so you can cross tasks off as you complete them 
  • use techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique (dividing your study into short intervals with quick breaks) in between each study session. Learn more about it here or there are more motivation strategies on time management here.

References:

LUXAFOR (no date) The Pomodoro Technique. Available at: https://luxafor.co.uk/pomodoro-technique-time-management-life-hack/ (Accessed: 29/08/2024)