Effective learning and studying
University is very different from high school. You may need to adapt some techniques that have worked in the past, or learn some new skills altogether. The support below will give you the tools you need to succeed in your studies and exams.
Study resources
Legal research essentials
These legal research essentials modules will introduce you to the basics of legal research, including secondary sources, case law, legislation, referencing and avoiding plagiarism.
Guides from UQ Library
Learn where to find key resources for law, how to reference at UQ and pick up vital research techniques among these comprehensive guides from UQ Library.
Time management
Learning to manage your time effectively will help you get organised and achieve your goals. You'll find information to help you set goals, manage your assignments and (perhaps most importantly) overcome procrastination. There are also downloadable templates so you can plan your day, week and semester.
Exams
These exam tips will provide you with a structure to prepare for any kind of exam, from multiple choice to open book and take-home exams. You'll also find tips on how to tackle the task when you're ready to put pen to paper.
How to study online
Studying online presents its own challenges and distractions. This guide to studying online will help you set up your study area, maintain your motivation and actively engage with the material.
Tips from students
Notepool
Review course notes from previous students in Notepool, and make your own contributions to assist your peers.
Law study tips from UQLS
Perfect for first-year law students (and anyone who needs a refresher), these study tips from UQLS will give you an insight into how to study, read a case, put together case notes and prepare for tutorials.
So you've got an assignment...
Writing a good paper is an essential skill for any law student. Read up on tips and suggestions for effective assignment-writing. This guide tells you where (and when) to start, resources to use and how to reference.
Exam (not so secret) secrets
This exam guide from UQLS offers tips and advice for revision preparation, how to approach an exam on the day and common mistakes to avoid.
Learning support
Learning Advisers
UQ's Learning Advisers can help undergraduate and postgraduate students in all programs clarify ideas from workshops, help you develop skills and give feedback on assignments.
Learn how they can help you or book an appointment.
Educational access plans
We recognise some students require additional support to help them achieve their goals in the Law School. Our Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Advisers can help you develop plans for academic accommodations and can discuss accessibility or cultural requirements, illness, injury or mental health conditions. Students with primary carer responsibilities may also be eligible for services.
Learn more about diversity, disability and inclusion at UQ
Book an appointment with an adviser
Peer writing support workshops
In these StudentHub workshops, you can share your draft (an assignment or a section of your research paper) with a writing mentor online to help you improve the quality of your writing and address questions you might have about your draft.
Check now to see next available workshop times
Writing support for international students
The Law Peer Writing Support program provides individual consultations to international students enrolled in one of the law undergraduate or postgraduate programs. The consultations check the use of your English grammar, sentence structure and spelling, and provide general advice on the use of the appropriate referencing style (i.e. Australian Guide for Legal Citations, 4th ed.). One-to-one peer writing support is an effective way of identifying common grammar and spelling errors and receiving feedback on one’s writing.
Workshops
Some people are hands-on learners. Throughout the semester, you can find many workshops on StudentHub to assist with study, time management and learning to use programs like Excel and InDesign.
Here are a couple you might want to sign up for early in your studies.
Sample workshop - Managing Your Time and Study at University
- Learn strategies for budgeting time and prioritising activities.
- Develop strategies for managing life, work and university commitments.
- Discover the importance of regular revision and self-testing.
Sample workshop - Studying Effectively for Exams
- Develop strategies to learn effectively for a range of purposes.
- Learn memory techniques for regular revision and self-testing.
- Discover how different types of questions affect exam preparation.