How to revise for exams

How to revise for exams

The holiday season is over and it’s back to university we go. It can be tough getting back into the swing of things, but it’s time to switch your party hat for a study cap because those dreaded January exams are just around the corner. There’s no need to stress, we’ve got some handy revision tips to help keep those exam jitters in check so you can perform your best.

What is revision?

From revising for A Levels to revising for your university degree, revision is a really important part of preparing for exams. But what is revision, really? Basically, it’s taking everything you’ve learned from your textbooks and lecture notes and condensing it down into something that actually makes sense. It helps with memory recall, identifying gaps in your knowledge and building confidence in what you already know – you’ve got this. Exam revision is a lot easier in a quiet study spot. If you’re a Scape resident, make use of our library and study zone. (And if you’re not, you’re missing out on the best student accommodation in London!) Remember, there’s no ‘best revision method’ as every student learns differently. Find whatever revision technique works best for you and stick with that.

Planning

Like most things in life, the secret to successful exam revision lies in planning. Grab a notebook and make a list of all the exams and subjects that you need to cover. Afterwards, create a detailed revision checklist for each subject. Make sure to allocate extra time to the areas you find most difficult, and jot down any other uni commitments you might have, like weekly lectures, sports and assignments. This will help you see how much time you have realistically to get it all done. Breaking up your workload into a smaller, more manageable chunks makes it feel a lot less daunting. Oh, and don’t forget to factor in some well-earned breaks. Your brain needs rest to perform at its best.

How to revise for exams

Here are 10 quick tips to help you revise for exams.

1. Organise your revision notes using files and dividers so you’re not scrambling to find what you need. Summarise the main ideas and break each section up with subheadings and bullet points so your notes are easier to review.

2. Use colour to highlight key ideas and topics to help with memory recall.

3. Practice with past exam papers to test your knowledge. Try to complete questions and essays in the given time. This will help build your confidence and familiarise you with all the different ways the same questions can be posed so you don’t get stuck come test time.

4. Make pocket-sized revision cards summarising important info like key definitions and concepts. Have a question on one side and the answer on the other so you can easily test your knowledge and identify which areas need a little more work. Flash cards are one of the most popular revision techniques as they’re easy to look over without being overwhelmed by the rest of your notes.

5. Use simple diagrams to make sense of your notes. Mind maps, spider diagrams and flowcharts are visual learning tools to help you better understand the relationship between topics and can help with memory recall.

6. Don’t forget to fuel your body. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and incorporating some healthy brainfoods into your diet to boost your concentration throughout the day.

7. Take regular study breaks, roughly 10 minutes for every hour. You might be tempted to power through, but breaks are really important to stay focused.

8. Get a good night’s sleep. Aim for a full 7-8 hours of sleep. This is critical for memory recall and will help make sure you’re feeling energetic and ready to tackle whatever your exam throws at you.

9. Avoid procrastinating and other study mistakes that could get in the way of your progress.

10. Positive thinking is key – focus on what you can achieve, not what you can’t.

Before your exam

In the days leading up to your exams, resist the urge to cram new info; the key is to consolidate what you already know. Look over past exam papers and familiarise yourself with the format. You can also team up with friends who have the same exam to swap study notes and improve your understanding of the subject. Read more: The best productivity apps for university students

During your exam

Make sure you have all the right equipment the night before and get an early night’s rest. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam venue and try not to panic - exam jitters are totally normal. During the exam, don’t worry about the person next to you or in front of you. Take your time, pace yourself, and start with the questions you already know. This will help you build up confidence for any you might be unsure of. Leave enough time at the end to check over your answers. If you feel anxious, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you’re well prepped and one exam doesn’t define you.

After the exam

The good news is, you’re done. You can’t change anything now so don’t dwell on it. Don't be tempted to rush out and check your answers. Try to keep a positive attitude and stay relaxed so you can continue your revision for any other exams you have upcoming. Good luck! Read more: How to juggle studying and fun