• University of York

Next Steps to University: From Choosing A Course to Your First Assessment

Learn what to expect from going to university in the UK and how to make the most of your university experience.

4,149 enrolled on this course

(c) John Houlihan - Image of students walking at the University of York campus

Next Steps to University: From Choosing A Course to Your First Assessment

4,149 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

From making friends to independent study, get helpful tips for university life.

Going to university might be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.

On this course, you’ll explore what higher education is all about and learn tips for making the most of your university life and study.

Your time at university is about more than earning a qualification. It’s a life-changing experience where you’ll meet new people from around the world, become independent in your thinking, and make decisions about your personal and professional future.

This course will break down everything from academic referencing to budgeting – and challenge some myths along the way.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 4 seconds So you’re thinking about coming to university? It might be one of the biggest decisions you make in your whole life and in this short course we will help explain what higher education is all about, and offer an insights into attending university. Studying for a degree is a life-changing experience. As well as building subject knowledge, you’ll develop transferable skills which are highly valued by employers such research skills, critical analysis and independent thinking. Change of any kind can bring apprehension and our short course is intended to reassure, offer top tips from our current students on how to get the most out of your time at university, and help you understand what to expect.

Skip to 0 minutes and 56 seconds We will explore everything from academic referencing to budgeting and making friends for life. We will also challenge some myths along the way. Join us on the next step of your journey as we explore what coming to university is all about and how to make this one of the most transformative experiences you ever undertake.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    From decision making to Freshers' Week

    • Introductions

      Some basic housekeeping (apologies!) and saying hello

    • Before you arrive

      In the following steps, we'll explore preconceptions and thoughts you may have before you arrive at university.

    • Settling in

      Once you've made it to university, there are a number of things you'll want to start thinking about... if you haven't already!

    • The first week

      ... and before you know it, your time at university will have begun - here's some guidance on making the most of Freshers' Week

    • Final thoughts

      We'll look at the academic side of things next week, but for now here's a chance to share final thoughts on the ground we've covered already

  • Week 2

    Academic skills

    • Introductions

      A warm welcome back - we'll be getting right to business very soon!

    • Teaching and learning at university

      In the next few steps, we'll be looking at the differences between study at college and university, and how you'll get help along the way

    • The library and digital skills

      Ever visited a university library before? It's much more than the place where the books live, and can be a key resource for your studies

    • Assessment

      Our final activity... if you are new to higher education, you may be unsure how your progress will be measured. Here are some insights into how it all works, assistance that is on hand, and strategies to use feedback effectively

    • Final thoughts

      We've reached the end... except, of course, it hopefully marks the start of the next stage of your academic journey! A final reflection then before our all-important next steps. Good luck!

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Learning on this course

If you'd like to take part while our educators are leading the course, they'll be joining the discussions, in the comments, between these dates:

  • 9 Jun 2025 - 20 Jun 2025

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore what coming to a modern university entails
  • Compare the different types of study you’ll engage in, from seminars to lab time
  • Develop the key academic skills you’ll need
  • Discuss approaches on making the most of the wider opportunities a university provides

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone considering entering a UK university in the near future.

Those with a general interest in the evolving world of higher education may also be interested in the course content.

Who developed the course?

University of York

The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Start learning today

Free

Try this course - with limits

  • Limited to 2 weeks

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 2 June 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 2 June 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

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  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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