In the second phase of the project, we developed pedagogical resources and support that incorporate the learning and insights gained in Phase 1.  

 A key aspect of this work involved working in partnership with three Imperial students (funded by StudentShapers) to co-create materials that empower students to make proactive, evidence-based decisions about how to approach their studies in effective ways that also support their wellbeing.  

Our resource development and implementation centres on the following two key activities: 

  • Creating resources and materials that students (from any discipline and year group) can use to:
    • Develop an informed understanding of the critical relationship between learning and wellbeing
    • Stimulate their thinking about approaches to academic learning that enable them to maintain positive wellbeing
    • Access evidence-based ideas for effective and efficient study strategies

  • Designing a Learning Well Programme, which will offer a range of interactive sessions where students can learn about effective approaches to their studies that also support their wellbeing and have opportunities to try these out first-hand: 
    • The programme will be open to the entire student community at Imperial.
    • This inaugural event will take place from Monday 10 to Friday 14 February 2025. We aim to run it annually.  

Evidence-based resources and support for students’ use: 

These resources have been developed based on key findings from our empirical data gathered through focus group discussions with Imperial students. The strategies and ideas shared in these materials are provided as suggestions for consideration and inspiration. They are not intended to imply that these are the ‘best’ or ‘only’ approaches students should use to help them ‘learn well’. Instead, please use these ideas to encourage students to reflect on their own study strategies and learning behaviours and as stimuli for practical steps they can take to craft their own path to learning well here at Imperial.  

Understanding 'Learning Well' and strategies to achieve it

Comparison vs self-growth

Their grass may just be greener, but that is not worth knowing. For the greenest grass cannot compare with the garden that you are growing.

Shift your perspective: Focus on growth, not perfection

“Academic learning can be stressful and overwhelming..." - Elenore, Y2 Medicine

Finding study strategies that work for you

This can be an ongoing process. It can feel like you're going round in circles, but remember you're always making progress through your reflections.

Take a peek at the bigger picture

Remember, your university journey is more than just grades - it's about growth, experiences, and the bigger picture of your future success.

"What does learning mean to you?"

"It's not just what you learn the first time. It's how you learn from your mistakes." (Ben Sherman, Y2 Engineering)

Maintaining mental wellbeing is essential for effective learning

Finding fulfilment - Embrace your unique path to happiness

"I've never really looked at other people and said, maybe I'm not doing enough or they're doing more work than me. I'm just doing different work".

Rest and recharge

“I believe you need to have a decent mental wellbeing to also be able to do well on your studies. I do it by getting a good night's sleep".

Take a break at this point

"Being happy and relaxed at uni is tough with academic stress, personal life events, and everything else. It's important to take breaks to reconnect".

What recharges your battery?

A support network, valued activities, slowing down and more.

Your path to learning well

Recognise that doing everything may not always be necessary or beneficial.

Being an effective university student

(tip: it’s not just about navigating the transition from school to university…)

How can different study environments affect your focus?

What works for one person may not work for another. Find what suits you best!

How can digital notes support your learning?

Discover software that are popular among Imperial students - these are just a few suggestions and there are many more to explore.

Balancing long-term goals with immediate tasks

"By ticking off lots of little, easier things I felt like I could build myself up to do the big thing at the end".

Transition from school to university

"I don't often write anything down during the lectures, I just listen. Afterwards, in my own time, I will go the notes and summarise everything".

The role peers play in shaping your study habits and growth

"I don't think I would have made as much progress or had as much fun if I hadn't been working with other people".

For other resources and support for students, please refer students to Imperial’s Student Support Zone. This platform offers a range of services, including counselling, workshops, health centre sessions, and student health webinars. Staff can encourage students to explore these options to find sessions best suited to their individual needs, particularly during study and exam periods. 

Please note: 

Please note:

Students’ anonymity - Our research participants’ voices are represented by quotes from the focus group discussions. To preserve anonymity, real names have been replaced by pseudonyms that the participants either chose themselves or were selected by the research team on behalf of the students.  

Accessibility - To ensure that all students can engage with these materials, alt-text has been provided for all relevant images in the materials and the text-enable function has also been activated [Shift+Ctrl+B]. 

Reference to specific apps and software - Some resources mention specific apps and software discussed by students in the focus group discussions. However, these are just examples of digital tools that students found helpful, and they have been included in case students would like to explore these for themselves (note: some have better data privacy policies than others). There are many other apps and software available, which students may prefer to use or may better suit their needs. As a starting point, please refer students to  Imperial’s ICT pages, which offer many useful ideas and suggestions.