Let’s face it – nobody likes revising. But unfortunately there’s no other way to pass those university exams, so if you’re a student and exam season is approaching, you’d better get revising! From how to set a schedule, to how to stop procrastinating, to how useful revision buddies can be, we have 8 key revision tips for you.
At this time of year, social media is full of tired students sharing their frustrations and irritations about having to revise once again for a hoard of exams. Many students like to compete against one another for who has revised more, who has stayed up longer and who is the most worried. Revision however doesn’t have to be hard, time consuming or frustrating.
We have asked our current graduate management trainees and recruitment team for their key revision tips to help you through this exam season. So without further ado, here are 8 revision tips for successful university students.
1. Schedule
Rather than just picking a topic at random, creating a schedule can provide a bit of structure to your revising. Making and sticking to a schedule will also ensure that you give all your topics a fair amount of time. Equally if there is one area that you are particularly worried about or lacking in knowledge, you can add extra time to it. Make sure you enter all your prearranged commitments like work, classes etc. before you start. One more point: If you do decide to create a schedule, stick to it!
2. Procrastinating
We’re all guilty of procrastination at some point in the revision process. Some people go to great lengths to put off the scary task of actually starting to revise. Perhaps you have re-made your schedule 3 or 4 times, cleaned your desk and lined up all your pens in a neat row and still you’re left swinging your feet unsure how to begin. Don’t worry, we have written a handy guide on how to conquer your procrastination habits which deals with this very problem.
To avoid getting distracted, put your phone in a different room and take regular breaks to answer messages and refill your energy drink supplies. However if you find yourself ‘on a roll’ don’t abandon it; go with the flow and see how much you can accomplish. If you still can’t resist a quick visit to sites such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, or any other time-sucking websites for that matter, why not download a handy little Google Chrome app called Stay Focusd. It works by restricting the amount of time you can spend on certain websites. And once your allotted time has been used up, the sites you have blocked will be inaccessible for the rest of the day.
3. Recreation
Whether you have decided to create a revision schedule or not, make sure you make time for yourself. It might be going out dancing, playing sport or just hanging with your housemates but make some time to chill out and relax your brain – you’ve been working very hard after all.
4. Don’t suffer in silence
Some people get very worried and overwhelmed during the exam and revision season but you really have no need to be. If you do find you’re struggling have a chat with your university student services centre. Or simply talking it through with your parents or friends might help release your worries. Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved.
5. Location, location, location
Choosing a regular and dedicated space for revision may help you focus on the task at hand. Some people like to revise different topics in different places to help them remember important things in the exam. Wherever you chose to revise, clear it of any distractions like your phone and the Xbox before you start so you can focus 100%.
6. What’s your style?
Knowing and understanding the best revision method that works for you is a big part of achieving success. People learn in different ways – for some it’s writing things down, for others it’s drawing information in picture form or even completing hundreds of past papers. Just remember, how you work will be totally different from your friend so don’t worry that you’re doing it wrong; everyone is different. There many resources available to highlight possible learning techniques like the VARK test which may prove useful if you’re unsure of your learning style.
7. Revision Buddies
Revising with a friend is another useful tool that may help you achieve exam success. Asking each other questions on what you have been revising is a good way to discover any holes in the revision notes or knowledge.
8. Take a deep breath
All the above tips are pointless unless you relax! It may be easier said than done, but try not to get hung up on time scales, your piles of notes or how much your friend has revised – try and concentrate on your own work. Before and after each block of revision time, take a deep breath and move onto the next task.
We wish you every success with your exams. Follow our revision tips and you’ll be well on your way to pass them with flying colours. If there’s one last piece of advice we can give you is to never give up. Some our best performing employees have received less than stellar marks when they graduated. And while this should never be used as an excuse, it’s how you react and deal with adversity that will make you the person you’ll ultimately be.