How to Succeed at University: An Essential Guide to Academic Skills, Personal Development & Employability (Student Success)

Achieve all your goals for university – whatever they are!

How to Succeed at University provides straightforward, practical advice for anyone experiencing university life.  Introducing the personal, academic and life skills you need to succeed - both at university and in today’s competitive job market – you’ll find help with managing your time and budget, and guidance on a range of study skills including skills for research and examination success.  You’ll also learn how to identify and develop key transferable skills that will stay with you throughout your professional life.

Discover how to:

• Improve your employability prospects and give yourself the advantage in the job market
• Benefit from other students′ experience, with top tips and insider advice on succeeding in your studies
• Explore the uses of digital technologies in learning and assessment
• Use what you learn right away, with handy downloadable checklists and worksheets.

Pragmatic, up-front and sympathetic, this is an essential companion for all undergraduate students, as well as anyone preparing for study at university.

The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!

Bob Smale is a freelance writer, trainer and mentor with long standing interests in personal development and employee relations. Bob started his working life in banking and was concurrently a part-time professional musician. After becoming a mature student he completed a Labour Studies Diploma at Ruskin College, Oxford and a first degree at University of Kent. He has completed an M.Phil with University of Kent and D.Phil with the University of Portsmouth and is also a qualified holistic therapist. During 31 years in education he taught in further, adult and higher education, developing an interest in pedagogy and receiving an award for ‘Excellence in Facilitating and Empowering Learning’ From the University of Brighton. Bob is the lead author of two editions of ‘How to Succeed at University: an Essential Guide to Academic Skills, Personal Development and Employability’, published by Sage, which brought together his knowledge of personal development and academia.   

Julie Fowlie is a Principal Lecturer and employability specialist and was formerly the Deputy Head of Brighton Business School responsible for Education and Student Experience. She is interested in improving the student experience, with a focus on helping students develop their employability. She leads a final year module for around three-hundred students in which students design and run Development Centres, which other students attend as participants. Her research interests include the formation of pre-professional identity and how LinkedIn can improve self-efficacy, alongside success at work and university. Julie and Bob Smale have co-authored two editions of a textbook to support students personal, academic and employability skills. Julie has taught in further, adult, and higher education and previously held a senior management position in the finance industry.