• Home
  • Courses by Subject
    • Accounting
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Payroll
      • Xero
    • Administration
      • Administration
      • Business Administration
      • Medical Secretary
      • Secretarial
    • Animal Health & Wellbeing
      • Animal Care
      • Vet Assistant
      • Zoology
    • Building & Construction
      • Construction
      • Landscaping
    • Business & Finance
      • Banking
      • Business
      • Business Communication
      • Business Management
      • Consultancy
      • Excel
      • Finance
      • Logistics
      • Sales
      • Supply Chain Management
      • Trading
    • Design
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Web Design
    • Digital Skills
      • Analytics
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing
      • CompTIA
      • CompTIA A+
      • Computer Science
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Science
      • Ethical Hacking
      • IT
      • IT Support
      • Networking
      • Penetration Testing
      • Software Testing
    • Ecology
      • Environmental
      • Sustainability
    • Education
      • A-Level
      • GCSE
      • Teaching
      • Teaching Assistant
    • Fashion & Beauty
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Massage
      • Nail Technician
    • Health & Safety
      • Work Health & Safety
    • Healthcare
      • Care
      • Childcare
      • Counselling
      • Criminal Psychology
      • Disability
      • Health
      • Healthcare Management
      • Mental Health
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Personal Training
      • Psychology
      • Public Health
      • Social Care
    • Hospitality & Events
      • Event Management
      • Floristry
      • Hospitality
      • Wedding Planner
    • HR
      • CIPD
      • Human Resources
      • Learning & Development
    • Law & Justice
      • Criminology
      • Forensic Science
      • Law
      • Legal
    • Management & Leadership
      • Agile
      • Change Management
      • Leadership
      • Lean Six Sigma
      • Management
      • Operations Management
      • Personal Development
      • PRINCE2
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Real Estate
    • Marketing & Communication
      • Digital Marketing
      • Marketing
      • Media
      • Music
      • Public Relations
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Microsoft
      • Microsoft
      • Microsoft Azure
    • Programming
      • App Development
      • Cisco
      • Cisco CCNA
      • Coding
      • Programming
      • Python
      • Software Development
      • SQL
      • Web Development
    • Tourism
      • Travel & Tourism
    • University
      • Business Management
      • Business
      • Criminal Psychology
      • Criminology
      • Finance
      • IT
      • Law
      • Marketing
      • Psychology
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • A-Level
    • Advanced Certificate
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Award
    • Bachelors
    • CertHE
    • Certificate
    • Certified
    • CPD
    • Diploma
    • ELCAS
    • Extended Diploma
    • Foundation
    • GCSE
    • Level 2
    • Level 3
    • Level 4
    • Level 5
    • Level 6
    • Level 7
    • Level 8
    • LLB
    • LLM
    • Masters
    • MBA
    • MSc
    • Postgraduate
    • Practitioner
    • Short
    • Undergraduate
    • University
  • Courses by Providers
    • Acudemy
    • Avado
    • BARBRI
    • Brunel University London
    • Career Smarter
    • CIPP
    • Course2Career
    • DLC Training
    • DPG
    • Hudson
    • ICS Learn
    • Institute of Supply Chain Mana
    • International Career Institute
    • ITonlinelearning
    • Learning People
    • London Academy of Trading
    • London College of Contemporary Music
    • London Governance & Compliance Academy
    • London School of Business and Finance Online
    • Next Level Impact
    • Online Courses Learning
    • Open Study College
    • Samuel & Co
    • The Career Academy
    • TPT Consultancy & Training
    • University College of Estate Management
    • University of Essex Online
    • University of Liverpool Online
    • University of Roehampton Online
    • Walbrook Institute London
    • Wise Global Training
    • How To Become
    • The Workforce Training Hub
    • Career Advice
    • Study Tips
    • Quizzes
    • Resources
    • Industry Insider
  • Top Courses
  • Become a Partner
  • Contact us
 
Published 4 Mar 2019

7 Steps to Studying Like an Oxford Student

by CoursesOnline Contributors

Browse Courses

Manoeuvring student life can be a challenge in many ways; from moving out of home into university accommodation to meeting new people and having to fend for yourself for the first time. But whether you are embarking on a university degree or enrolling on a distance learning course, there is one thing which all students will have to face: studying.

Depending on your course, you may have to study in different ways, such as researching scientific studies, reading novels or revising from textbooks in preparation for a big exam, and no matter how much you enjoy your course, simply getting up the motivation to study is often the biggest hurdle. By following our Oxford Students Guide to Studying, you can see how top students master their studies and make sure you stick to an effective study routine to help you pass your course with flying colours.

Do What Interests You

Most UK universities offer a modular system, whereby you get a certain degree of freedom over what subjects you choose to study. When it comes to distance learning courses, you have even more freedom as you can choose from hundreds of online courses which fit around your current commitments. With so much choice, it can feel overwhelming to choose what you want to do, especially as a huge 44% of students don’t know what they want to do once they graduate according to Concrete Online.

Many students therefore panic and choose degrees and courses which they think employers will like the look of, or degrees which they think are easy, however to truly do well in your course (and enjoy it!) pick something you love doing. Whether it’s an art degree, a business management course or a childcare apprenticeship; if you are interested in what you are learning then studying won’t be this monumental weight over you, instead it will be something you enjoy.

Go to Your Lectures and Seminars

Following on from the first step; going to lectures and seminars will be significantly easier if you are engaged in what you are learning. Online and in person lectures are vitally important if you want to do well, as not only are you learning the key information which you will have to use in your assignments or exams, but you can see the way in which your tutors want you to approach topics, as well as getting essential information about assignments. Attending your classes means that half the work is done for you, as you then don’t have to cram in learning more information the night before the big exam, but just revise what you’ve already learned.

Get Better At Note-Taking and Research

Going to your timetabled classes is one thing, however learning how to take quick and concise notes can help you get the most out of your lectures and seminars. Oxford University have a handy guide to carrying out research and taking notes, so you can really study like an Oxford Student! Having good note taking skills can help you obtain the key information from your classes and when it comes to study time, you have a complete set of key notes to remember for the exam or assignment.

Arrange a Study Timetable

Make a plan of when, where and how long you will study for; finding a study space free from distractions. With our guide to Creating the Best Study Space, you can ensure you have the right environment to study effectively and not waste time on distractions or by procrastinating. Once you have found your study spot, get your diary out and see when you can slot in your study time; making sure that you aren’t trying to multitask and can dedicate a good amount of time to study and have regular breaks. Using your schedule, you can ensure you have enough time to fit in all of your studies and save yourself from cramming the night before the deadline!

Test Yourself with Practice Papers

The best way to learn a new skill, learn a song or revise for an exam is to practice, practice, practice. When it comes to studying, tasting yourself is a great way to ensure you have retained what you’ve learned, and using practice papers can help gear yourself up to answering exam questions without being intimidated by them. Most courses offer past exam papers online, so you can find practice papers on your University website or via your online course system. If possible, it’s also a good idea to get feedback on your practice papers from tutors, so you can make your final exam or essay the best it can be.

Teach Someone Else

For years we’ve heard that teaching something to someone else is one of the best ways to ensure you have learned and understand it. According to TIME, the protégé effect is a scientifically proven method of improving your learning’ with studies showing that children who have use the “teaching others” method of learning score higher in tests. By becoming the teacher, you ensure that you are clear and have a thorough understanding of the topic, as well as the “pupil” being able to ask questions and highlight anything you might be unsure of. Try to speak to as many friends and family members as possible to make sure you have a good understanding of what it is you are studying. The more connections you make for yourself, and the more you practice talking about it, the more likely you are to remember what you need to.

Look After Yourself

Last but not least; take care of yourself! Get enough sleep, eat healthily and relax. Furthering your education shouldn’t be a painfully stressful experience, and if you stress too much about your assignments then you can take the joy out of learning. Make sure that even during tough exam periods and assignment dates, you are:

  • Taking Regular Breaks – 5/10 minutes every 30 mins/1 hour is optimum, depending on your personal preference, according to Oxbridge Academy
  • Getting Plenty of Sleep and Going to Bed Early
  • Exercising and Moving
  • Drinking Water
  • Talking to Friends and Family
  • Rewarding Yourself for Your Hard Work!

Enjoy this article?

Subscribe now to receive articles like these straight to your inbox
CoursesOnline Contributors

Navigator Illustration
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
gator tooltip icon
Our course navigator helps refine thousands of courses into a personalised list that suits you. Click to answer each question, so we can provide you with the best possible courses, tailored to your preferences.
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!

Try our navigator tool and find the right course.

Start Here
Navigator Illustration

Related Articles


How Soft Skills Can Get You a Job

Why are soft skills the most valuable skills you can develop...

Claudia Reiners
Jul 3, 2018
Read More

Home Learning – The Brilliant Study Solution For Young Mums

Read on as we explore the benefits of home learning. Traditi...

CoursesOnline Contributors
Jul 10, 2018
Read More

Study Tips: Science Backed Ways to Study Effectively

So you've set up your ideal study space, perfected your time...

Claudia Reiners
Aug 28, 2018
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • Popular Subjects
  • Qualification Type
  • How to Become
  • Bookkeeping
  • Computer Science
  • Counselling
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Human Resources
  • IT
  • IT Support
  • Networking
  • Payroll
  • Psychology
  • University
  • Web Development
  • View More
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Bachelors
  • Certificate
  • Diploma
  • ELCAS
  • Foundation
  • Level 2
  • Level 3
  • Level 4
  • Level 5
  • Level 6
  • Level 7
  • Masters
  • MBA
  • MSc
  • Postgraduate
  • Short
  • Undergraduate
  • A-Level
  • Award
  • Practitioner
  • University
  • View More
  • How to Begin a Career in IT
  • How to Become a Bookkeeper
  • How to Begin a Career in Trading
  • How to Become a Change Management Consultant
  • How to Become a Cloud Architect
  • How to Become a Construction Health & Safety Officer
  • How to Become a Cryptocurrency Expert
  • How to Become a Forensic Scientist
  • How to Become a Financial Modeller
  • How to Become Java Certified
  • How to Become a Leadership Coach
  • How to Become a Manager
  • How to Become a Mentor
  • How to Become Microsoft Certified
  • How to Become a Psychologist
  • How to Become a Public Health Consultant
  • How to Become a Software Developer
  • How to Become a Software Tester
  • How to Start Your Career in Human Resources
  • How to Become Xero Certified
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All Courses
  • Online Courses
Education Providers
  • Our Providers
Resources
  • Our Blog
  • How to Become
About us
  • About CoursesOnline
  • FAQs
Contact us
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an Affiliate
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Certified B Corporation
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses LinkedIn Tafecourses Instagram
Certified B Corporation
Copyright © 2025 Coursesonline.co.uk
All Rights Reserved.
Back to Top

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"

Coursesonline.co.uk uses cookies. By continuing you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn more.

GDPR - Logo
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Additional Cookies

This website uses additional cookies to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

Cookie Policy

More information about our Cookie Policy