So…we are a month into the new academic year and you’re now wondering how time flew by so quickly? Already you hear students talking about upcoming coursework and looming exam deadlines. It’s only October yet your mind is circulating with the number of hours you need to set aside for studying (amongst binge-watching your favourite Netflix shows). It can become overwhelming but here is a list of revision hacks that are sure to set you on the right track.
- Schedule in Breaks
It is well known that most people cannot study productively for hours straight. You have to schedule in set breaks in order to get the most out of your studies so treat yourself to 10 minutes break after revision intervals of around 40 minutes. This will most definitely improve your mental health as well as your grades.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a brilliant way to de-stress and help spark a eureka moment for the problem you’ve been stuck on for ages. Make use of that gym membership you decided to buy during fresher’s week. Maybe talk a walk around Wollaton Park or even a jog around the campus lake. Whatever your exercise of choice is, it will certainly bring positivity to your study schedule.
- Set the right atmosphere
This may just be me, but if I am working in my room I can only do so if it is tidy. Now, more often than not, it is slightly messy with papers everywhere and clothes piled up on the chair. Having a quick clean and then sitting down to work is always beneficial to keep you focussed and in a fresh state of mind.
- Move location
It is easy to lose motivation if you don’t venture outside of your room (if you don’t die of boredom before that). A change of scenery is helpful for anyone so try moving to the library or even Crocus Café in Lenton. Even venturing from your room to the living room may help because if you see other people working, it is likely to encourage you to do the same.
- Have friends hold you liable
As the Queen of Procrastination, I am here to advise you to stop making excuses for not completing the tasks you set out to do today. If you really struggle with keeping on top of it all then ask a close friend to keep checking on you until you do it. If you’re nagged enough, you’ll find it better to just get the job done.
- Snack regularly
Don’t get caught up in the swing of writing, typing and reciting. Having something to munch on as you go is said to narrow one’s focus and keep them concentrating for longer. So next time you’re in Tesco debating whether that item is really necessary, it definitely is.
- Become a stationary master
People come to university often with a brand-new set of stationary from WHSmith or Wilkos. Everyone seems to have the new pastel-coloured highlighters used for important notes. However, overused and the page can appear discombobulated. Make sure you use different coloured highlighters and post-its for different functions.
- Don’t compare yourself with others
Studying hard for ages and then deciding to do a group study session with your friends a few days before an exam will only stress you out. Realising they have more notes than you will cause you to panic. You’ve done the revision and you are prepared so go into the group session confident in the work you have put in
- Stay Hydrated
Remember when your parents would harp on at you every five minutes about drinking water? Well it turns out they did have a good point. Staying hydrated is one, if not the most vital, way to remain focussed and healthy during the long examination periods. So put down the red bull and switch to water. You’ll thank me later.
- Close those tabs and start writing
Youtube, Netflix, and whatever other site you currently have open is not going to help right now. Unless it is genuinely work-or-essay-related then please close the tabs and open up your Word document. It’s time to knuckle down!
Shanai Momi
Featured image courtesy of Jesper Sehester via Flickr. Image license found here. no changes made to this image.
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