Why Independent Learning in Higher Education Feels So Hard (and What to Do About It)
Independent learning in higher education is often held up as something you should just know how to do. You arrive at university, maybe after years or even decades away from formal education, and suddenly you're told you're now an independent learner. You're expected to manage your own deadlines, teach yourself new skills, and navigate complex academic tasks on your own. But no one actually shows you how.
In this episode, I’m unpacking why independent learning feels so hard at higher education level, especially if you’re returning to study as an adult.
You’ll learn why the problem isn’t your intelligence, motivation or potential but the lack of proper support. I’ll break down the myth of ‘just figuring it out’, share the metaphor I use with my students to explain what’s really going on, and walk you through what should happen instead.
If studying still feels harder than it should be, this episode will help you understand why and give you a clearer way forward.
This post originated as a podcast episode which you can listen to below or watch on YouTube. Or, if you’re more of a learn-by-reading student, carry on for the blog version based on the podcast script.
What universities get wrong about independent learning
This idea that independent learning in higher education is something you just are rather than something you learn and build over time? It drives me up the wall.
Because here’s what I’ve realised: students aren’t failing because they’re lazy or not smart enough. They’re struggling because they haven’t been shown how to learn independently in a way that actually works. And that’s not their fault.
At school, you’re taught with structure and reminders. Teachers might chase you up if you haven’t done your homework or if your grades start to dip. They might notice if you’ve gone quiet and check in. You’re taught content and skills—if there’s time.
Then you get to university and suddenly… none of that exists.
You might be told about your deadlines once at the start of term, but there’ll be no personal reminders. No check-ins. No one chasing you if you don’t show up. There is support available, academic skills teams, well-being services, tutors, but you have to go and ask for it. And if you don’t know what kind of support you need or what skills you’re lacking? You’re on your own.
You’re expected to read between the lines, figure out how to meet academic expectations, and fill in your own gaps – even if no one has ever shown you how.
The swimming pool metaphor
Let me put it this way. Being told to study independently at university, without the right support, is like being chucked into the deep end of a swimming pool and told to swim.
And when you say, “But I don’t know how to swim!” they reply, “What do you mean? You’ve had loads of baths. You’ve splashed around in shallow water before. You should know how to swim.”
But of course you don’t. You’ve never learned how. And now you’re overwhelmed, flailing, and trying not to drown.
This is what I see time and time again with students. Universities assume that just because you got in, you must already know what to do. But independent learning in higher education takes time, practice, and support. You don’t just become an independent learner overnight because your course expects it of you.
Why adult learners in particular struggle
There are so many reasons why adult learners arrive at university without confident study skills:
You might have been out of education for years or decades. The skills you did have have faded.
You might not have done well at school, or didn’t enjoy it, so you weren’t engaged enough to absorb those skills in the first place.
You might be neurodivergent, and either didn’t know it at the time or weren’t supported well.
You might not have had academic support at home. If your parents didn’t go to university, they couldn’t model how to study or manage academic work.
And even if you had a good school experience and strong support, you’re still moving from one level of learning to a much higher one. It’s called Higher Education for a reason.
The problem is, the skills required at this level aren’t always taught. Students are told to be more critical, to analyse more, to “go deeper”… but they’re rarely shown how. And then they blame themselves when they can’t do it.
The power of scaffolded, supported independent learning
In my recent qualification to become a specialist study skills tutor for students with specific learning differences (like ADHD and dyslexia), I’ve learned a lot about what good study support looks like.
And here’s what works: scaffolded learning.
It’s the opposite of throwing someone into the deep end. It’s like teaching someone to swim in shallow water first. Giving them floats. Supporting them while they build their confidence. Slowly removing that support as their skills develop. Until one day, they’re swimming on their own—and not even thinking about it.
This is what I do with the students I support. I walk you into the pool with a float and a plan.
Scaffolded learning means breaking skills down into steps. It means teaching, modelling, practising together, and giving feedback before expecting someone to go it alone. It means treating independence as a goal to grow into—not a starting point.
And that’s why I’m so passionate about changing how we approach independent learning in higher education.
What this looks like in essay writing
One of the biggest areas where students need scaffolded support is essay writing.
Universities might give you an assignment brief and point you to a referencing guide, but rarely do they teach you, step-by-step, how to interpret a question, plan an argument, and structure your ideas clearly. There’s no safe space to practise or ask questions. No worked examples of what good essay writing actually looks like in your subject area.
So what can you actually do to start building those skills and become a more independent learner?
What to do if you want to become a more independent learner
If you’ve recognised that independent learning in higher education isn’t something you’ve been fully equipped for, the good news is, this is a skill set you can build. You’re not stuck, and it’s not too late. Here are some practical steps you can take to feel more confident, capable, and in control of your studies:
1. Reflect on where you’re currently struggling
Are you losing marks for not answering the question properly? Do you feel overwhelmed when planning assignments? Are you unsure how to manage your study time? Identifying your biggest pain points helps you know where to focus.
2. Ask for help
If your university offers study skills or academic support services, use them. Check your university website or ask a tutor what’s available, you may be able to attend a workshop or book a one-to-one session. These services vary in quality and accessibility, but they’re a good starting point.
3. Use resources that explain things step by step
Whether it’s books, podcasts, videos or blog posts—seek out content that breaks down study strategies into smaller, doable actions. Look for examples, demonstrations and exercises that let you practise, not just listen.
4. Work on one skill at a time
Don’t try to improve everything all at once. Focus on one specific skill—like breaking down assignment questions, planning your argument or improving your analysis—and give yourself time to experiment and learn.
5. Invest in targeted study skills training
If you want structured, step-by-step support that mirrors the kind of scaffolded learning we’ve talked about here, you might benefit from more focused help. This could be through a book, a tutor, or a short course that teaches you the how, not just the what.
You are not behind
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not cut out for university, or you’re “bad at studying,” I want you to know this:
You are not behind. You just haven’t been taught yet.
Independent learning in higher education is a skill set—not a personality trait. It’s something you can learn, something you deserve to be supported with, and something you can absolutely get better at with the right kind of help.Whether that support comes from your university, from books and podcasts, from free resources—or from training like The Essay Fix—it’s out there. And it’s never too late to learn how to learn. Now you know what to look for. And with the right kind of support, you can study more confidently, more effectively, and more independently—from here on out.