Top tips you’ve probably never thought of about how to succeed at university AKA: The Art of Asking
Succeeding at university is about asking the right questions and knowing who to ask. Sounds simple, right? But there’s a science to learning that’s more complex than you might think.
Unpacking learning is more than just memorising stuff
Learning involves remembering, understanding and doing.
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Remembering — embrace the brain struggle
Got frustrated trying to recall something? Good! That mental sweat is your brain’s workout. Next time you’re stuck, try remembering before looking it up. Your brain loves a challenge and will work harder to remember next time.
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Understanding by connecting the dots
Understanding isn’t just memorising — it’s about making connections. Next time you’re thinking about a topic, ask yourself:
- How is this similar to something I already know?
- How is it different?
- Why is this concept important in my course?
Pro tip: When your lecturer asks for questions, ask “How did you decide to do that?” Their answer will help you understand how the topic is connected to the course.
Connecting new ideas with stuff you already know helps your brain create mental highways. For example, reading one of Shakespeare’s plays for the first time and finding similarities with Disney’s The Lion King — You’re comparing new information with something you’ve experienced.
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Doing: Practice makes progress
Some skills need hands-on practice. Whether it’s using a pipette in a lab requiring physical practice or answering an essay or exam question that takes cognitive work, break complex tasks down into smaller chunks.
Example: An essay question could be split into tasks that may include the following:
- Identifying and categorising facts, a topic or concept
- Finding relationships between them
- Understanding each part’s contribution
- Drawing meaningful conclusions
Cognitive Hygiene — Your brain’s daily detox
Think of cognitive hygiene like cleaning up after a wild house party in your mind. Each day at university is mentally demanding, so you need to:
- Prioritise sleep — sleep just isn’t about Netflix and chill time – it's your brain’s epic memory remix session, transforming today’s chaos into tomorrow’s organised knowledge.
- Stay physically active — gym, sport or walking ... as long as you’re moving, it counts!
- Socialise to help avoid spiraling into overthinking.
- Eat well — good food produces serotonin which will make you feel good! And that's just one of the many benefits!
Remember, your brain is a superhero. Feed it, challenge it, rest it.
People on campus that you can practice learning with
The Maths Learning Centre — Speak with a tutor about understanding and solving maths anywhere it shows up in your course. It’s ridiculously convenient too, just drop in during weekdays.
Meet your maths tutors, David and Nicholas!
The Writing Centre — book a consultation on the website or ask a quick question at Drop-in Wednesdays with a Learning Advisor. They are highly experienced writers who can help you get started with writing an essay, tidying it up and everything in between.
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) — run by students for students, you can learn alongside people who are doing the same course as you. Sessions are led by students (known as PASS leaders) who have received top marks in your course, so they understand the challenges you are facing and how to help you succeed. Visit the PASS website to find a session time for your course and give it a go!
This article is based on the seminar Transition to Uni seminar presented during O’Week in 2025 by David Butler from the Maths Learning Centre and Kym Teh from The Writing Centre. Watch the seminar on YouTube.
Other sources referred to by the writer:
Frontiers | The Combined Influences of Exercise, Diet and Sleep on Neuroplasticity
IBE — Science of learning portal — Neuroplasticity: How the brain changes with learning
The Triad of Senses, Emotions, and Memory: Dynamic Interactions and Multidisciplinary Implications
Sleep—A brain-state serving systems memory consolidation - ScienceDirect