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Think ahead: Prepare for your studies at Birkbeck

We know that preparing for university, in particular the demands of studying at a new level, can seem daunting. When you start at Birkbeck you'll benefit from our free, accessible resources which will provide both practical support and inspire you at the start of your learning journey.

As a Birkbeck student you'll have access to a full range of resources, tutorials and learning technology which are designed to support you at every stage of your studies. You'll find help on everything from improving your note-taking to get the best out of lectures, to your first steps with essay writing and statistical analysis, plus tips on how to cope with revision and succeed in your exams.

STUDY SKILLS

This short video explains how much you can gain from developing your study skills. Our range of online study skills tutorials can help you to fulfil your academic potential.

We provide a dedicated Library guide for study skills resources, including free access to study support articles and resources.

Check out Get Ahead, Stay Ahead (GASA), our popular pre-sessional study skills programme. It consists of study and writing skills sessions and will run throughout September online. You can book for them via My Birkbeck or via individual sessions.

LEARNING RESOURCES 

Birkbeck’s Library website is a great place to get familiar with us and see what is available before and after becoming a student.

Our Library provides help to students through subject-specific guides and subject-specific Librarians who are specialists in the academic areas you will be studying at Birkbeck. You'll get to know them well.

Birkbeck’s Free Access to Online Resources site is a selection of free online learning resources from academic publishers, websites and journals. 

Our Library and Information Skills module will help to develop your library and information skills, as well as optimise your study time. You don't have to log in and can join in whenever you want.

DISABILITY SUPPORT 

Birkbeck provides extensive support for students with disabilities and other learning needs.

Our Disability Service provides advice and solutions to your needs, while also helping to source relevant financial support. Our Library has learning resources, accessible spaces and dedicated staff.

student finance 

At Birkbeck, we recognise that funding and the cost of study plays a big part in your decision making. We're committed to providing advice and support to help you find the right ways to finance your studies. You can contact our Student Advice Team for in-depth guidance and more information on financial support.

STILL YET TO APPLY?

If you need help with your application, our online personal statement tool will take you through the process. Alongside this, you can speak to our current students about their experiences of Birkbeck and find out what it's like to study with us.

If you've recently been offered a place at Birkbeck starting in autumn 2022, you need to enrol to get the full benefits of studying with us.

If you can't visit us in person, use our virtual tour to find out more about our campus. If you can travel to London, we have an ongoing programme of campus tours and open days.