Study skills for international students
It may take you some time to adjust to studying in the UK as the approach to teaching and learning may be very different from your home country.
Don't worry, many UK students who are away from home for the first time will also need to adjust, and the Library is here to help and support you.
Each department has its own dedicated Academic Liaison Librarian, and your Liaison Librarian can:
- help you find the right information for your assignments or research
- give you advice about the resources to use
- help you to evaluate the information you find
- help you cite and reference other people's publications in your work
If you need to improve your research skills or to be shown how to use a particular information resource, your Academic Liaison Librarian will be happy to arrange a session with you. Find out who your Academic Liaison Librarian is, and the best resources in your subject area, from your Subject Guide.
Useful study skills books
We have lots of books to help you develop your study skills. Search YorSearch, using search terms such as "study skills", to find useful study skills books in the Library.
Some examples are listed below. Click on the title for information on current availability or click on the classmark to search for other books on the same subject.
- Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan (earlier editions available) K 5
- Davies, M. (2011). Study skills for international postgraduates. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan K 8.122
- Godfrey, J. (2013). How to use your reading in your essays. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan 029.6
- Lewis, M. and Reinders, H. (2003). Study skills for speakers of English as a second language. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan K 8.122
- Murray, R. (2011). How to write a thesis. 3rd ed. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill (earlier editions also available) 029.6
- Race, P. (2007). How to get a good degree: making the most of your time at university. 2nd ed. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill K 8.122
- Tracy, E. (2006). The student's guide to exam success. Maidenhead: Open University Press (earlier editions also available) K 8.37
Further help with study skills
Prepare for success
Prepare for success is a free online learning tool to help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study.
Library help
- Subject Guides - finding and using resources in your subject area.
Language help
- International Pathway College - help with pre-sessional language courses
- Writing and Language Skills Centre - help in developing your academic writing
Maths help
- Maths Skills Centre - help with mathematics and statistics in your course
Academic skills
- Academic skills, academic integrity and referencing resources to help you learn the skills needed for academic success
IT training
- IT training - courses, online tutorials, course materials and booklets