Overview

Over the years, the university experience has changed for young people; higher education study is expensive, graduate employment isn't guaranteed in an age of fast evolving technology, and the stakes feel high.In The Backpacker's Guide to University, Dr Jo Phillips and Martin Griffin draw on their collective 45 years' experience teaching undergraduates and sixth formers to bring students the ultimate guide to making the most of their time in further education. Together, they demystify the language of university and share the very best guidance on adjusting to university study, campus life and independent learning.This book urges students to embrace the 'backpacker approach', a transformative mindset that will empower them to immerse themselves in the spirit of adventure and seize every opportunity that university life has to offer.

Full Product Details

9781785837449

Table of Contents

Reviews

The Backpacker's Guide to University is refreshingly honest about the huge difference between secondary school and university, while also introducing this new life stage as an entirely doable adventure. Phillips and Griffin serve as friendly, respectful mentors who demystify the language of higher education and suggest small but meaningful steps to help grow confidence - from weekly scheduling to handling demoralising feedback to building concentration. This book connects the practical and emotional aspects of learning to learn, and cheers on the reader to embrace the unique experience of university life.The most practical and positive guide you could wish for: 100% encouraging.Claire Rishbeth Learning journeys include sudden transitions between places - the sort of changes that can make your head spin with culture shock. The Backpacker's Guide to University presents a highly readable mix of tips and tricks that is deeply rooted in a wealth of experience and serious research under its calming, glossy surface. Imagine going to a tropical beach for the first time. You can go with a professional diver who will be pointing out the most incredible creatures of the coral reef, while safely steering you around the hungry sharks and paralysing jellyfish. This book sets out a similarly safe course through academic waters: it explains things before you go, as you are on the journey, and offers help if you get in trouble. Avoiding things that bite or sting as you jump in is profoundly logical. And let's face it, any good teacher or lecturer will tell you to read widely: to read about the subject content, read about processes, read for fun, and even read about reading. It makes total sense to take this guide with you to university - reading it will help you be more ready!Arjun Reesink The Backpacker's Guide to University is a practical and accessible book for any student who is about to progress into higher education. It provides a clear and concise set of tips and advice on how to approach and navigate the different spheres of becoming a university student. The book is particularly helpful for students who are unsure about what is expected of them - with useful and practical prompts, scenarios and highlights that illustrate and make explicit what one can do. The central message is for students to be open and to embrace new or different experiences, and the analogy of the backpacker promotes a transformative mindset. Complete with tasks and activities, this guide is a comprehensive toolkit for navigating the varied slopes and terrains of student life - translating insight into actionable advice. It is an essential book to slip into your backpack on the way to university!Billy Wong The prospect of going to university can feel daunting - a step change in independence, autonomy, and unfamiliar academic systems that may contrast sharply with school experiences. Nevertheless, for many, it becomes a rich and even transformative chapter in their life.In The Backpacker's Guide to University, Jo and Martin offer practical, down-to-earth advice for new undergraduates. With a clear structure - covering pre-arrival preparation, first-term tips, and 'emergency' guidance for when things feel overwhelming - the book is designed to help students not just survive but thrive. Like seasoned travellers, readers are encouraged to relish the journey, not just the destination.Highly recommended reading for Year 13s and a thoughtful, confidence-boosting gift for friends and family members about to start university.Ben White A fantastic resource to help students shift their mindsets during the transition to university. The combination of essential information alongside practical activities will empower students and set them up for success.Jen McGahan The Backpacker's Guide to University is an immersive, helpful roadmap to all aspects of university written by professionals who know what it's like. The experiences and advice shared by the authors relate to the struggles and worries that many students may feel, packaged into an excellent guide for this new journey of life with its solutions and reflections. The inspiring messages and engaging tasks help to develop students' confidence and help them make the most out of their time in university by empowering them to become active participants in their learning. This book makes the prospect of going to university something to be excited about, rather than terrified. It's perfect for new undergraduates and any university students who need a bit of guidance and encouragement.Emily Barber With its straightforward and practical advice, The Backpacker's Guide to University is an essential resource for students embarking on their university journey. One of the book's strongest aspects is its focus on mapping workspaces - an insightful section that highlights how environment plays a crucial role in productivity and wellbeing. The guidance on mixing, acculturating and acclimatising to a new setting is invaluable, equipping students with the tools to adjust both socially and academically. Equally impressive is the advice on how and where to get support, ensuring students feel confident in accessing help when needed. The discussions on interaction and navigating imposter syndrome further enrich the book, offering reassuring perspectives on belonging and self-confidence.This is a much-needed book for students seeking both practical advice and emotional support during their university years. For anyone looking for a clear, actionable roadmap to settling in and thriving, The Backpacker's Guide to University comes highly recommended. A must-have companion for the journey ahead.Karl Smith The Backpacker's Guide to University is an invaluable resource for first-year students and the university staff who support them. It is readable and fun, but most importantly, it' is filled with practical and relevant activities that cover the very real experiences that so many first-year students face at university. With this book, a first-year you will set yourself on the fast track to self-awareness and personal growth and will receive those key insights and pointers that many students wish they had received when starting out. Embracing the metaphor of the backpacker's journey, the book authors invites students to view university as a life adventure, encourages students to begin their next chapter with courage, curiosity, and hope. A must-read for anyone embarking on the university adventure.Fanie Walters

Author Information

Dr Jo Phillips has taught in four different sixth form colleges, then moved into higher education, and has been teaching in universities for the last 15 years. This puts her in a rare position - she's taught not only A-level students but hundreds of undergraduates too. She currently teaches Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield. Martin Griffin has 20 years' experience teaching post-16 students, and has been a head of faculty, assistant head teacher and deputy head teacher. He was the director of sixth form at The Blue Coat School and now works with schools and colleges to design and implement character development and mindset programmes.

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