Understanding how you learn

Tertiary study is largely self-directed, which means you need to work out for yourself how you plan and study. Are you a visual learner or someone who prefers aural cues? Do you prefer exercises, or reading and writing as a way to learn? Understanding the style of learning that suits you best will help you prepare for academic life at university.

The idea that people have a learning style grew in popularity in the 1970s.  Some theories classify people as visual, auditory or tactile learners, and others look at an individual’s cognitive approach.

Find out more about learning styles 

What kind of a learner are you? 

If taking notes during a class is new to you, try out some different approaches to see what works best. There is a range of useful apps out there now that can assist you with the note-taking the process.

Look at note-taking apps 

There are plenty of online resources available to help students on their studying journey. Libraries and Learning Services offer a range of guides designed to help you with getting the most out of your lectures, using time management tools, and implementing strategies to make you a faster and more effective reader.

Find out more

This site is provided by the University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. You can listen to podcasts on practical techniques for managing stress.

Visit CALM