Close

Head into Brookes

Resources and events designed to help you get off to the best start at university

When you start your course it might feel like information overload, so it can be helpful to explore some resources and activities in the quiet period before you arrive. Some Head into Brookes activities are available to explore before lectures begin, meaning you can use them to help feel more prepared and informed when you join us in January.

Challenge your preconceptions with our mythbusting quiz

What will university really be like? Take our quiz to find out more about the university experience. Click 'show advice' to reveal the answer and use the blue arrow key to advance to the next question.

Learn how university works with the Quick Start Guide to Brookes

University involves many processes and terminology that is likely to be new to you, and with that in mind we have produced a new booklet to help you understand how things work and make the best use of your time.

The Quick Start Guide to Brookes

Attend study skills workshops

The Centre for Academic Development offers workshops throughout the year, aimed at enhancing students' study skills. These workshops are inclusive, welcoming participants from any year and department.

Find out more about workshops

Explore your strengths with a skills audit

Complete a skills audit to find out where your strengths are and identify the skills that you personally need to develop. You'll learn who can help you improve on these skills during your time at Oxford Brookes University.

Start your skills audit

Think about your computer requirements

There are computers available for your use at Oxford Brookes, so having your own machine is not essential to your success, but you should expect to be using IT a lot at university, and your academic journey will undoubtedly improve your digital skills.

If you are buying a new computer for university, think carefully first and take the time to consider what might be most appropriate for your needs. Not all computers do the same things. Therefore, it might be worth checking with your department to see what software will be used and whether your operating system will run it.

Office 365 will be available to you at no charge during your time at Oxford Brookes, so you can save the cost of an annual license. To claim your free copy of Office 365, you will need your student email address. Most students will be able to access their student emails from Monday 15 January (provided they have completed their online enrolment).

How to get Office 365 through Oxford Brookes

Developing digital skills

Whether you have rarely used computers before or you are an advanced user, there are many opportunities to develop your digital skills at university. A starting point to consider in your first few weeks, particularly if you are not feeling confident, is the Centre for Academic Development’s session on 'Digital organisation for learning'. More details can be found on their workshops page.

Find out more about workshops