• 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.

3,492 enrolled on this course

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

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

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.

Download video: standard or HD

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.

What topics will you cover?

  • Pre-arrival at university
  • Tips on budgeting and independent living
  • Pastoral support you can expect from a modern UK university
  • What to expect on arrival and in the first week
  • The differences between college and university learning
  • Reading and assessment support

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced

Learning on this course

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.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • 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

Join a global classroom

  • 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
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • 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

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Learner reviews

Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...

You can use the hashtag #FLnextsteps to talk about this course on social media.