6 top resources to prepare for your Economics degree

Studying Economics will open your eyes to the world around you and help you understand how society works.

Before you start your studies, you may be thinking about how you can prepare? Here are our top 6 best resources you can use to get a head start in Economics.

1. Websites and blogs

Start your journey to university right by exploring this selection of websites and blogs around economics. Websites and blogs are a great way to learn about current economic topics to prepare for your future course. 

We suggest:

• The Conversation – Read and explore the business and economy page to gather news and views written by academics and researchers. 
• National Institute of Economics and Social research – This website discusses the research behind the economic and social forces that affect people's lives. Discover resources ranging from research publications to blogs, to media and many more.
• Adam Smith Institute – This blog comes from one of the world's leading think tanks. The blog "promotes free market, neoliberal ideas through research, publishing, media outreach and education". 
• The History of Economic Thought – This website is great for students interested in learning the history of economic thought, ranging from ancient times until the modern day, providing information and resources for you to discover.

2. Newspapers

Newspapers are a great source of information. Newspapers provide current economic news so you’re always up to date. There is the added benefit that newspapers are now digital – so you can access them on all devices. 

Have a look at:

• The Economist – A useful resource for upcoming economics students. The newspaper provides current economic updates weekly, to ensure you are well prepared for starting University.
• The Wall Street Journal – This resource is "the definitive source of news and information through the lens of business, finance, economics and money, global forces that shape the world and are key to understanding it".
• The Financial Times – A great resource that provides news and analysis on business and economic current affairs.

3. Books

To get a feel for studying from textbooks before starting your course, take a look at this selection of books about economics – you might find an interesting read.

We recommend:

• Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dunbar – A fun read, this series of best sellers applies economic tools to explain the hidden side of world phenomena not conventionally thought of as economic
• The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford – An introduction to the fundamental principles of the modern economy and a useful resource to get an understanding of a wide variety of topics.
• The economy (entry level text book) – This free textbook is a brilliant resource for first time economic students, giving you a taste for what's to come before embarking on your first year of economic study.

• The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell – This book explores the science behind trends that have gone viral within business, marketing and in human behaviour. 

• Any A Level maths book – If you haven't studied maths in a while and want to brush up on your knowledge, we recommend reading an A level maths book to get used to the language of maths.

4. Videos

Videos are a brilliant way to gather information quickly through visual explanations of complex economic concepts.

Try watching:

• The Marginal Revolution University – These enjoyable videos will help you understand the world around you and its everyday problems.
• EconplusDal – A series of Economics tutorial videos to help you better understand key economic concepts and theories.

5. Podcasts 

If you want to mix up your routine, podcasts are a great way to get economic information through audio format. You can listen and learn anywhere, at all times. 

Have a listen to:

• Editors Highlights – This podcast provides Editor picks from The Economist, with the added benefit that they have been chosen for their importance.
• Freakonomics – An introduction to topics that will make you question what you thought you knew, as well as things you didn't think you wanted to know, but now you do. Get insight from entrepreneurs, intellectuals, Nobel Laureates, provocateurs and other underachievers.

6. Films

Of course, we saved the best for last, fulfilling your wishes of having a film set for homework. So grab some popcorn and enjoy studying.

Have fun watching:

• Wolf of Wall Street – Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, following his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. 
• MoneyBall – Oakland A's general manager Billy Beans’ successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer- generated analysis to acquire new players.
• The Big Short – In 2006 to 2007 a group of inventors bet against the US mortgage market and discovered how flawed and corrupt the market is.
• Wall Street – A young and impatient stockbroker is willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information from a ruthless and greedy corporate rader who takes the youth under his wing.
• A Beautiful Mind – After John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life turns into a nightmare.