As a student, it’s easy to feel like you're being thrown in at the deep end when getting to grips with a new course, let alone everything else that comes with it.
The internet offers a wealth of resources for students. Finding additional academic support, as well as help with other aspects of student life such as how to budget and manage finances whilst studying is a good idea, as this will ultimately help to lead you to academic success.
The majority of learning resources you will ever need are available online, and in this article we will give you our favourite UK learning resources, as well as some of the other tools available to you online.
General UK learning resources
While studying online or at university, your primary reading materials will likely come from within your course content. But it is important to not limit yourself to that alone. We have compiled a list of UK learning resources to help you along the way, to support you throughout your studies:
Futurelearn is owned and operated by Open University who are experts with decades of experience in distance learning. They offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.
Office for Students aims to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Their work covers all levels of education, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, national or international, young or mature, full-time or part-time, studying on a campus or by distance learning.
While most UK universities are members of the National Union of Students, there are some that aren’t. Nevertheless, the NUS website is full of advice and tips on how to get the most out of your time at university, and includes helpful tips on both education and extracurricular issues.
The Complete University Guide helps students make informed decisions about where to study, but also about what and how to study. Their website includes a wealth of resources to help students navigate life before, during, and after university.
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and gives access to the world’s most comprehensive research collection. They provide information services to academic, business, research and scientific communities. On their website you can register for a free Reader Pass to allow you to access their vast archives and other resources.
JSTOR provides access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in 75 disciplines. They help students to explore a wide range of scholarly content through a research and teaching platform, while also collaborating with the academic community to help libraries connect students and faculty with vital content.
Health resources for students
Your studies are hugely important but you won’t get the most out of your course, or achieve what you want to achieve, if you don’t stay healthy. Therefore we need to look beyond UK learning resources, to make sure you do get the most out of your studies. We have compiled a list of resources that cover mental wellbeing and physical health:
The National Health Service is the state-funded medical and health care services that everyone living in the UK can use without being asked to pay at the point of use. As well as being able to register with a local doctor and having access to medical care in hospitals, the NHS website is also great for advice on health issues.
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They work with students, service users, professionals and academics to develop new and innovative ways to improve the mental health of students.
Feeding yourself as a student can be challenging - especially when you have a demanding academic course of study. Student Cook aims to make it simpler with their tips on preparing, cooking, eating, storing and shopping for food. Student Cook gives advice and provides recipes to help students to eat well and stay healthy and focused.
The Student Food Project is out to change the way that students eat while they're at university. They provide recipes, resources and products,making it quick, cheap and easy for students to eat well whilst studying.
Financial resources for students
Many students find themselves struggling to manage their finances while studying. You might find that your finances are stretched, and that you need to make your money go a little further. We have compiled a list of UK online resources that look at everything from student bank accounts to budgeting tips and money saving ideas.
Save the Student is a free, impartial advice service for students which focuses on how to make their money go further while studying. They have over 1,000 regularly updated guides for students and their resources are hugely helpful. Find everything from understanding your specific loan repayments to finding the best phone contract, to finding the best savings accounts.
MoneySavingExpert is the UK's biggest consumer advice website. The site is dedicated to cutting your bills and fighting your corner by using journalistic research and cutting-edge tools that are focused on finding deals and saving money.
Groupon gives discounts on everything from experiences to shopping and food, both local and further afield.
Unidays gives discounts for students on everything from clothing and food to gyms and music.
UK learning resources: Broader than just education
If you’ve decided to take on higher education the best thing you can do is prepare yourself for some of the challenges you might encounter, both academically and personally. Using the time you have prior to commencing your studies is important. It is well worth spending time exploring what UK learning resources are out there, as well as some of the challenges you may meet.
It is worth considering using a specialist online course provider to equip you with some of the tools you will need for your chosen course of study. This will give you a head start in your chosen subject, but these courses also provide additional skills that will help you succeed in your studies.
Cambridge International Academy provides a variety of courses which can give you the tools to support your university studies. For more information on these courses, please visit our website today or get in touch.