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Counselling

Study Skills Counselling

Study smarter, not harder

Success at university requires solid study skills and practices. UFV counsellors can help you with common challenges such as time management, exam anxiety and understanding what to study and how. To support student success, UFV offers many resources for improving your study skills.

Get study skills advice

You can book a free individual counselling appointment to discuss any aspect of studying with one of our qualified counsellors. Sign up by contacting UFV Student Services.

Online self-help resources

Student success handouts

Our student success handouts have many tips to help you succeed. Even if you already have good study habits, you can learn new skills that will allow you to study more effectively in less time.

Links to study skills

Discover your learning style and some new study strategies by exploring these links.

Study skills books

Look for study skills books at the UFV Library and UFV Bookstore. Two useful books are Making Your Mark: High Performance College and Career Skills by Lisa Fraser and Study Smarter, Not Harder by Kevin Paul.

Suggestions for students who are struggling

See our top tips for student success to find out how you can turn your struggles into success.

Reduce your stress

Explore different mental health apps.

Prepare yourself to work at the university level

Take academic support courses

UFV offers a number of academic support courses each semester that can help prepare you to work at the university level. They include subjects such as rapid reading, writing, study skills, research, critical thinking and computer skills. These courses can be helpful whether you are a student returning to education after many years, a recent high school graduate or current post-secondary student. See the UFV Calendar for more details. Courses include:

  • Writing and Research Skills (CAP 110)
  • Reading and Study (CAP 130)
  • Introduction to Computers (COMP 061/071/081)
  • Integrated Academic Learning Skills (CSM 104)
  • Critical Analysis and Learning (CSM 108)
  • Learning Methodology (CSM 208)
  • Introduction to Reading, Writing and Study Skills (RSS 098)

Help from other UFV departments

You can also find study skills help through several other UFV departments:

Academic Success Centre

Visit the Academic Success Centre to learn academic study skills, get subject area support, get feedback on your writing, and more. Qualified peer tutors can help you gain confidence in difficult subject areas and help you find learning strategies that work best for you. To register or find out more information, visit the ASC website

Mathematics & Statistics Centre

Visit the Math & Stats Centre for help with math and statistics.

Academic Support Courses

UFV offers a number of academic support courses each semester that can help prepare you to work at the university level. They include subjects such as rapid reading, writing, study skills, research, critical thinking and computer skills. These courses can be helpful whether you are a student returning to education after many years, a recent high school graduate or current post-secondary student. See the UFV Calendar for more details. Courses include:

  • Writing and Research Skills (CAP 110)
  • Reading and Study (CAP 130)
  • Introduction to Computers (COMP 061/071/081)
  • Integrated Academic Learning Skills (CSM 104)
  • Critical Analysis and Learning (CSM 108)
  • Learning Methodology (CSM 208)
  • Introduction to Reading, Writing and Study Skills (RSS 098)

Academic Appeals and Complaints

Visit the Office for Academic Integrity and Appeals for information on how to address decisions that affect your academic standing.

Withdrawal Due to Extenuating Circumstances

Sometimes difficult things happen that make it impossible to complete your studies as planned. If this occurs before the deadline to withdraw, simply withdraw from your courses and register again when you are able. If this occurs after the deadline to withdraw, it may be possible to withdraw and receive a 'W' on your transcript rather than a failing grade. Every student's situation is different and is decided on a case by case basis. For more information, see the Office of the Registrar. You may also wish to meet with a counsellor to discuss your options.