Academic life in the UK

ACADEMIC LIFE IN THE UK

You may find, as many international students do, that the teaching methods used by lecturers can be very different from any you have been used to. The relationship between staff and students is often more relaxed and informal and high importance is placed on students’ abilities to take responsibility for their education and organise their own time. The UK system assumes students will develop through independent learning.

Degree programmes consist of a range of scheduled activities, such aslectures, seminars and tutorials. In addition to time tabled activities, much emphasis is placed on private study and you will be expected to spend at least as much time (if not more time) studying on your own as being taught.

The website www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk is an excellent resource with interactive activities for international students to prepare for academic life in the UK, and to improve your English language skills if necessary. There are interactive activities such as ‘Understanding course assignments’, ‘Differences in University Study’, ‘Academic Writing at University’ and many more. There is also a section on ‘Adapting to a new Life’, which deals with cultural challenges.

An essential skill to get to grips with early is referencing. Before you arrive, it is worth familiarising yourself with the expectations of why and when it is important to reference.

Once you have arrived at the university, our Academic Skills team are here to help you to further develop the skills you will need for studying in higher education in the UK. Come along to one of our workshops, book in for a one-to-one appointment with an Adviser, or sign up for an Academic Skills Student Mentor (SMART Buddy) to learn top tips for referencing correctly, managing your time, reading more efficiently, notetaking, writing and more. Email academicskills@ winchester.ac.uk for further information. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AND SUPPORT If English is not your first language and you find it difficult to use academic English for writing your assignments or preparing your presentations, we are here to help. We provide one-to-one support sessions to give you the confidence and skills to overcome these difficulties. The sessions are designed to identify your individual needs, and to help you to develop your abilities in English for academic purposes.

The areas in which the ELTSU team can support you include the following:

• Academic writing and referencing

• Academic vocabulary

• Reading strategies

• Grammar

• Approaches to your academic tasks and task structure

• Speaking, pronunciation and presentations

• Listening skills, and engaging with lectures and seminars

• Look for ‘Academic English Support’ on Canvas: www.winchester.instructure.com/search/all_ courses or email eltsu@winchester.ac.uk for further information.