Revision survival guide - 4 things to remember!
Exams and essay deadlines are coming thick and fast at this point of the year, but if it's all starting to get to you don't worry - you can take control. We've collected a few tried-and-tested techniques and habits that can make all your hard work more effective.
Take a deep breath, read through the tips and get ready to crack out your favourite stationary - you'll be on your way to a personal best grade in no time.
1. Get organised
Planning your time is hands-down the number 1 tip to remember. Setting aside specific times to do specific tasks will help you with prioritising revision above other commitments.
It’s also a good way to break up a year’s worth of work into manageable amounts: set aside a couple of hours for each section that needs covering, and then write a to-do list of everything you want to revise in that time. Cross each item out as you go to track your progress, and reward yourself with a study break when you get to the bottom of the list.
Students can visit the Learner Development Unit (LDU) for exam study workshops and one to one support here: http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/study/ldu/workshops/index.aspx
2. Procrastination intervention
Procrastinating is natural, but the internet does make maintaining focus on your work even harder. Don’t let it worry you too much though - a little preparation will help you manage those urges to find out what kind of Buzzfeed quiz you are least able to resist!
First of all, give yourself a break - literally. Planning in short mindfulness study breaks around revision gives you a chance to absorb the information you’ve just covered.
Just sit still and focus on your breathing for 10 minutes. No phone, no books, no screens. Let thoughts wander in and out of your mind. Don’t judge or try and stop them. This will help you to absorb information and let your mind rest. It’s a bit like switching your computer off and letting it cool down.
And plan in recreational breaks too - chat to a friend, read some blog posts, check out Facebook - there’s no need to punish yourself for studying hard! To make sure you keep them managable, you can download an app that allows you to block your procrastination websites at particular times. Try Cold Turkey for PCs and Self Control for Macs.
These apps means you can still go online, do research and browse journals. Everything else? Blocked (until lunchtime, or whenever else you schedule a break). Not only does it really work, it makes all the internet sugar out there taste even sweeter when you do get time out!
Image via targetprocess.com
3. Be active
Which of the following examples is the more memorable?
a) The text you skim read before turning the page
b) The text you highlighted, made notes on and tested yourself with
It’s probably b), right? Active learning is a great way to make the facts you revise stick long after you walk away from your books. Everyone has a different style - you may find visual techniques like mindmapping or using coloured highlighters work best for you, or you may memorise written notes more easily.
Budget time for the active learning process by using your schedule and to-do lists!
Image via studyaway.tumblr.com
4. Look after yourself
The stress that comes with exams can take a toll on your immune system so take good care of yourself between now and the end of term. Stock up on fruit, head outside for fresh air during study breaks, and drink plenty of water - caffeine will perk you up, but your brain is most efficient when it’s well hydrated.
Make the most of your time on campus by...
- Booking a counselling session to deal with exam anxiety. Plus, there are extra drop-in sessions over the exam period.
- Working out at the Fitness Pod. It'll wake up your body, boost your immune system and get your brain cells firing too.
- Picking up fresh fruit for pennies at local shop Way 2 Save (here). It's super-cheap, the variety is huge, and as a student you can 10% off - getting your 5 a day has never been easier!
Image via veganricha.com
Don't forget - you've come this far! With a lots of hard work and some good luck - you'll be fine :)
