Students at a university in the UK

Learning activities to prepare you for study in the UK

Prepare for Success is an interactive web learning tool for international students who are getting ready to come to the UK for study in further or higher education. It contains learning resources which are activity-based to help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study. As well as preparing you for what to expect during your studies, the activities provide scope for English language improvement*. The learning resources can be used in any order by clicking on a title. Alternatively, you can use them through the 'study pathways' page if you would like to search by skill or topic. There is a demo to watch if you would like more information on how to use the activities, and an interactive FAQs page where you can find simple answers to questions about study in the UK. There is also a special page of interactive questions and answers for international students planning to study in Further Education colleges in the UK. To see it, select FE on the menu bar.

* Prepare for Success is intended primarily for international students whose first language is not English. It is aimed at students with an IELTS level between 5.5 and 7.5 or equivalent.

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About Prepare for Success

Find out how you can use Prepare for Success.
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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.
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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.
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Ways of being taught on your course

Explore four common ways of being taught on academic courses in the UK. Find out what to expect in a lecture, a seminar, a tutorial and a workshop.
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Preparing for online study

Do a quiz to discover how much of your time will be spent online during your studies. Listen to an academic course tutor talking about the technologies used by students that she teaches.
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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.
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Studying independently

Consider different advice about how to study independently and then assess your own study habits.
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Academic writing at university

Do a quiz to find out how prepared you are for the academic writing you will need to do on your university of college course.
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Critical thinking

Explore what critical thinking involves and identify any skills that you might need to develop.
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Studying science, engineering or technology

Find out what particular skills and abilities students studying science, engineering or technology need, and explore the range of writing tasks you may be required to do on your course.
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Understanding course assignments

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

Consider how you would manage the production of a 2000-word assignment.
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Taking part in seminars

Listen to a British tutor talking about what seminars are like and explaining what is expected of students.
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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.
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Reading for your course

Find out how you can manage your course reading list and learn to read more efficiently.
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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.
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Working with others

Discover what group work involves and the kind of skills that students need to work together effectively.
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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.
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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.
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Reaching the end and taking the next step

Do a short quiz to find out how much you have learnt. Send some feedback to us on what you think of Prepare for Success.