Preparation for study (Chapters 1-3): These would be very helpful for a student new to higher education, particularly the emphasis on the difference between school and university, such as the difference between the level of support and the expected amount of independent study required. These chapters give guidance on study skills (preparation, time planning, note-taking, active learning, reflecting).

Assessment (Chapter 4): Particularly helpful were: the list of process words, as these help to build a framework for the type of answer that is expected; tips for not throwing marks away needlessly; revision techniques.

Mathematical Communication (Chapter 5): Very helpful to those with no experience of higher education. Particularly helpful were: communicating mathematics to a variety of audiences; writing mathematics in a way that can be read aloud.

Learning by doing (Chapter 6): Good strategies for when you are stuck.

Using ICT (Chapter 7): Useful tips for customising the Word toolbar and using spreadsheets, and a health warning about the amount of time you can easily spend learning to programme calculators!

Using Calculators (Chapters 8): There is some helpful information about how to explore a calculator and how to find out how it deals with various operations, as this can vary from one calculator to another (for example, the constant facility).

What next (Chapter 9) Index: The web site address given links to some excellent resources there. The comprehensive index will make it easy to find a particular topic.

I'm studying mathematics with the Open University. I recommend this book - I'm finding it really useful.