You have achieved the required A-level grades to get into your chosen university. Now you can while away the days until term begins with lie-ins and nights out with your mates, right? Actually, wrong. Getting back into study mode may seem premature but before you know it, you will find yourself on campus being handed your first assignment.

With a little forethought, though, the transition from studying for A levels to swotting for a degree does not need to be stressful.

The ability to study independently is central to university. “You will have control over how, when and what work you are going to do,” says Dr Michelle Reid, a study support adviser at Reading University. “This can be good and bad. You will have more freedom to explore your interests and develop new ones. But knowing what to do with a lot of apparently free time is daunting.”

Managing free time efficiently is crucial to ensure that you do not fall behind. Camilla Eden, who has just completed a politics degree at Nottingham University, says: “I heard my course did not include many hours of lectures but it was only later that I realised I should be doing lots of spare-time reading. I then had to work really hard in my third year.”

Reid advises: “Know how you prefer to study — in the mornings, afternoons or evenings? Alone or with people? What are your common distractions and how can you avoid these? Inform yourself about timetables, room locations, deadlines and guidelines for assignments.”

Also important, says Kate Kirk, of Manchester Metropolitan University, is checking the course syllabus. If you have not been sent reading lists, ask the university for them. You can save a lot of future headaches by reading some core material before you arrive on campus. “You don’t have to read everything but at least dip in and out of some books, or ask for one key text related to the first term’s work,” Kirk adds.

Eden agrees. “I did politics at A level but a reading list would have helped, so I could have done background research over summer.”

Reid has another tip. “Develop your critical thinking and how you construct an argument. These skills are often more valuable than doing lots of reading because you are better prepared to use information effectively. Try reading a national newspaper and thinking how you assess the articles you have read.”

A more enjoyable pointer is to make friends early. Eden says: “I spent freshers’ week trying to find people doing my course and modules. They definitely helped my studying. You are not alone and can discuss your ideas with other people.”

Study tips online:

Times Online study tips from students and experts:

University of Reading’s study advice website including tips for freshers starting university

Advice ranging from taking notes to study groups and oral presentation:

University of Hull study tips ranging from writing essays to managing your time on campus

Manchester University advice on developing your study skills

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