International Students’ Study Skills 1-1 Support: Succeeding in UK Higher Education

Adapt to University Life in the UK with our Personalised Academic Support

For international students, studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity but can also be challenging. The shift to a new academic system, learning in a different language, and adapting to cultural expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Talking Minds, we offer 1-1 private study skills support tailored to the needs of international students, helping them develop the academic confidence and strategies needed to succeed.

Our support sessions focus on essential areas such as academic writing, critical thinking, time management, and exam preparation. Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, or preparing for university, our goal is to equip you with the skills to navigate UK higher education effectively.

Understanding UK University Expectations

Many international students find that studying in the UK is quite different from their previous experiences. The British education system places strong emphasis on independent learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity. Here’s what to expect from your course:

Coursework & Essays

In the UK, coursework is a significant part of university assessment. Unlike some education systems that focus on memorisation and examinations, UK universities require students to engage in deep analysis, provide evidence-based arguments, and reference sources correctly. Our study skills sessions can help you understand how to structure essays, develop critical arguments, and write in a clear academic style.

Presentations

Many courses require students to deliver presentations, either individually or as part of a group. This can be particularly challenging if you’re not used to public speaking or presenting in English. Our sessions provide guidance on building effective slides, speaking with confidence, and handling questions from tutors and classmates.

Group Work

Working in teams is a key part of university learning in the UK. However, international students may sometimes struggle with communication styles, expectations for collaboration, and dealing with different working habits. We can help you develop strategies to contribute effectively, manage conflicts, and work successfully in diverse teams.

Dissertations & Research Projects

For students working on a dissertation or research project, independent study is crucial. This can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with UK academic expectations. We offer support in choosing research topics, structuring dissertations, improving research methods, and managing deadlines effectively.

Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate study in the UK is highly research-driven and requires a strong ability to work independently. If you are pursuing a Master’s or PhD, you may find that the academic demands are more rigorous than in undergraduate study. We provide guidance on advanced research techniques, critical analysis, and managing large-scale projects to help you meet the expectations of postgraduate education.

How Our 1-1 Study Skills Support Can Help You

Time Management & Independent Learning

One of the biggest adjustments for international students is learning how to manage their own time effectively. Unlike structured timetables in some education systems, UK universities expect students to organise their own studies, meet deadlines, and complete coursework without constant supervision. Our study skills support will help you develop practical time management strategies, create effective study plans, and balance coursework with personal life.

Academic Reading & Writing

Reading academic texts and writing at university level can be difficult, especially if English is not your first language. Many students struggle with understanding complex texts, identifying key arguments, and expressing ideas clearly in writing. Our support includes techniques for reading efficiently, summarising key points, and improving essay writing skills so that you can communicate your ideas more effectively.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is a key requirement in UK higher education. Students are expected not just to learn facts but to evaluate, analyse, and question information. Many international students find this approach unfamiliar, especially if they come from an education system that focuses more on factual learning. We provide guidance on how to develop a critical mindset, assess academic sources, and construct well-reasoned arguments in essays and discussions.

Effective Note-Taking Strategies

Lectures in the UK can be fast-paced, and it’s easy to feel lost if you’re not taking notes effectively. Many students struggle with deciding what information to record, keeping up with the lecturer, and organising their notes for revision. We teach a range of note-taking methods, such as Cornell Notes, mind mapping, and digital note-taking techniques, to help you capture important information more efficiently.

Structuring Essays & Assignments

Good academic writing requires a clear structure, logical arguments, and proper referencing. Many international students find it difficult to organise their essays according to UK university standards. Our sessions focus on helping you develop clear essay structures, improve paragraph coherence, and follow academic writing conventions to ensure your work meets university expectations.

Understanding Referencing & Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is taken very seriously in UK universities, and students are expected to reference their sources correctly. However, many international students are unfamiliar with referencing styles such as Harvard, APA, or MLA. Our support sessions explain how to cite sources correctly, use academic referencing tools, and avoid unintentional plagiarism to ensure your work is academically sound.

Exam Preparation & Study Techniques

Exams in UK universities often require students to apply their knowledge rather than simply recall facts. If you’re used to exams based on memorisation, this approach can be challenging. We offer support in exam strategies, revision techniques, and managing exam anxiety, so you can feel more confident on the day of your assessments.

Who Is This Support For?

Our International Students’ Study Skills Support is designed for students who:

• Are new to studying in the UK and want to understand academic expectations
• Need help improving their academic English, writing, and research skills
• Want to develop critical thinking and independent study techniques
• Are you preparing for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD studies
• Already have a good command of English but want to refine their academic skills

We ensure that our sessions are tailored to each student’s individual needs, providing practical and personalised strategies for success.

How our Study Skills Support Works

Study skills sessions are usually once per week, to ensure you are keeping on track and consistently building you academic skill set. They can be less frequent, or more frequent than this, depending on your needs. We usually offer sessions online, or they can be in-person, depending on where you are based in the UK.

These sessions are student-centred, so your tutor will give professional feedback on your academic skills and progress, but the content of the session can be adapted to what assignments you are currently working on and what skills you want to improve. 

Additional Resources for International Students

While our 1-1 study skills support provides personalised weekly support sessions, students can also benefit from additional resources such as:

📚 University Study Skills Guides – Most UK universities offer free online resources on academic writing, referencing, and study techniques.
🎓 Language Support Services – If English is not your first language, many universities provide courses to help improve academic English skills.
📖 Library & Research Skills Workshops – University libraries often run workshops on critical thinking, research skills, and avoiding plagiarism.
🧠 Talking Minds Private Mentoring – Our expert mentors offer one-to-one mentoring for neurodiverse, autistic, or ADHD students with challenges experienced at university.

Start Your Study Skills Journey Today

Studying in the UK offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. With the right support, you can develop strong study skills, gain confidence in your academic abilities, and achieve success in your undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

If you’re looking for personalised 1-1 study skills support, Talking Minds is here to help.

Contact us today to book a free consultation and find out how our study skills sessions can support your academic journey.