Studying for Success

Welcome to Flinders!

What exactly does a student have to do in order to get consistent good results in the university? Is there a recipe for success? Look no further! This module will introduce you to some of the most essential skills you'll need as a student.

Watch the intro video below to find out more:

In this module, we identify the skills you will need and show you how to improve these skills to do well. We will reveal what is expected of an excellent assignment submission. We will put you in your lecturers’ shoes and show you what they look for when grading an assignment. We will then show you the steps you should consider and take throughout the assignment process from start to final submission. This session is one which will help you think ahead and prepare well for any assignment which comes your way. We'll cover:

The HD Mindset: Introduction to Critical Thinking
Writing the Right Way: Introduction to Academic Writing
Reading with Purpose: Introduction to Academic Reading
Referencing Fundamentals: Introduction to Referencing

If you're ready to get started, check out 'The HD Mindset: Introduction to Critical Thinking' to learn more about the structure of the university and what it means for you.

The HD Mindset: Introduction to Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking? How do we do it? In this short module, we introduce you to how you develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills in your university work.

Now that you have a bit of an idea of what it means to think at university, let's look at how we start to apply that in our writing.

Writing the Right Way: Introduction to Academic Writing

There are lots of different forms of writing that exist at university: argumentative writing, report writing, reflective writing, creative writing ... the list goes on. What's important to remember is that while the form may change, the elements of good communication remain the same. So, what are the basic differences between formal and informal styles? And what are the most important elements of good communication?

Watch the video below to find out:

Now that you know a bit more about writing at university, let's look at it's close neighbour: reading!

Reading with Purpose: Introduction to Academic Reading

One thing you'll notice pretty quickly as you begin at university is that no matter what you're studying, there's bound to be a lot of reading! The reading you encounter here will probably be quite different to what you're used to. So what do we read at university? Why do we read it? Knowing our purpose in reading is a critical first step in being able to read effectively and efficiently.

Watch the video below to learn more about reading at uni:

Now that you've got your critical thinking hat on, you have some key communication skills in your belt, and you've got your uni reading glasses on, let's tackle the last essential skill: referencing!

Referencing Fundamentals: Introduction to Referencing

No matter what you're studying or at what level, one thing you cannot get away without at university is knowing how to reference! While there are quite a few different referencing styles, the fundamentals of why do we do it and when do we do it don't change.

Watch the video below for an introduction to referencing at uni:

Great job! You've started on the journey toward developing a range of really essential study skills.

Where to From Here?

Excellent job making it this far! If you haven't already, check out some of our other Orientation modules:

Balancing Uni and Life

Understanding Assignments and Grades

Or, go back and explore our Study Resources library. We have everything from writing and referencing to critical thinking and time management. This library is being added to all the time, so keep checking throughout your studies to see what's new!