Stella Cottrell

Skills for Study is based on the work of expert Stella Cottrell, international bestselling author of The Study Skills Handbook. She is also the author of Critical Thinking Skills, Skills for Success, The Macmillan Student Planner, Dissertations and Project Reports, The Exam Skills Handbook, Mindfulness for Students and titles in the 50 Ways series. Stella was formerly Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Leeds, UK, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University of East London, UK.

Follow @cottrell_study on Twitter for daily bursts of study inspiration and top tips for managing your studies and student life.

Blogs

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Address your signs of stress

We all go through stress sometimes, and it's okay to admit when you feel you need some extra support.

Find out some ways you can look after yourself during a moment of stress.

Black notebook with the word 'Plan' behind the yellow desk.

Checklists: a way to build effective study

Are you in need for some organisation for an upcoming assignment?

Lucky for you, we've got an array of checklists that you can use to support you whilst working. Have a go at using them now!

Being prepared: a high performance trait

Do you want greater confidence when following material in class?

Try using some of Stella’s tips, and 'flip' your learning using some of the ideas in this article.

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Give your mind a creative workout

Do you make 'creativity' a priority when working?

Try something new, and see where these ideas take your assignments.

Illustration of six students in separate boxes, each connected through earphones.

Talk it through

There's always someone willing to listen when you feel like sharing what's on your mind.

Take a look at some tips to help you get more comfortable with opening up to others, and talk about the matters that are weighing on you.

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Evaluate your relationship with social media

Do you find yourself falling down the social media rabbit hole time and again? Take the first step towards building a healthy, sustainable relationship with social media using the tips and advice in this blog.

Anticipate potential challenges

If you become more aware of the aspects of university life that could be difficult for you, you will be in a better position to prevent or manage these challenges. In this blog post, Stella Cottrell outlines some potential study challenges and offers pointers for overcoming them.

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Nurture your creativity

It's easy to fall into just sitting, waiting and hoping for inspiration, expecting an answer to fall from the sky. The magic element – the ‘creative spark’ – can feel elusive. In this blog, Stella Cottrell shares five strategies for generating ideas.

Bring some self-kindness to your study

Many students would benefit from a little more self-kindness and self-compassion. Discover three strategies to bring more self-kindness to your studies and life.

Setbacks: the seeds of future success

Have you considered how you could turn setbacks to your advantage?

Build your word power

Shape your thoughts, arguments and ideas with clarity and precision.

Articles

Two-minute meditations

Hectic day? Take a moment to pause and reflect with this guided audio exercise.