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How to survive exams

TLDRoffon

Tips to help you plan for, revise and stay calm in the run-up to exams.

You can't avoid exams but with some smart revision you can beat the stress and feel confident on the day. Here's how:

Prepare for revision

Organise your course notes, files and assignments before you start revising. As well as making it easier to find what you need, it will give you an idea of how much ground you need to cover. Get your work space revision-ready. You are going to be spending a lot of time here so clear it of clutter, check that you have enough light and that your chair is comfortable. Also try to get rid of any distractions that will eat into your study time.

Make a revision plan

Work backwards from the exam period and estimate how much time you need to dedicate to each subject. Draw up a timetable that takes you up to a few days before your first exam. This will help you avoid the late-night cramming sessions at the end. You need to give yourself some treats and rewards so build in a few revision-free days to kick back and do something fun – or just chill

Study smart

Aim to do 20- to 30-minute study spurts with short breaks on revision days and mix it up so you don't get bored doing the same subject all day. Allocate more time to subjects you are not sure about and ones you studied earlier in the course as the ones you have just finished will be fresh in your mind. Try to stay off your smartphone until you are on a break. Don't waste valuable revision time web surfing or chatting on social media.

Have a to-do list

Make list of subject areas you need to cover and tick them off as you go along. Not only is it satisfying but knowing there is an end in sight will spur you on to keep going.

Set goals – and rewards

Give yourself mini treats throughout the revision period. It can be watching an episode of your favourite Netfilx show or YouTube channel. A night out with friends, a visit to the gym or just a walk in the park. Having mini goals and rewards will keep you going when it seems like you've been revising forever.

Use active revision

Read your notes by all means but incorporate some active revision techniques as this is what makes the information stick in your head. Test yourself as you go along, or get together with a study partner and test each other. Think about using and organising the material you are revising from. Write key points for each section, question it to make sure you really understand it and summarise it. Reducing the information will make it easier to remember, especially if your course requires you to remember lots of facts.

Stay healthy

Eat well in the run-up to and during the exam period. Eat protein-rich, nutritious meals and avoid junk food. You can help boost your concentration at your desk with healthy snacks like fruit and choose foods that provide a slow release of energy. Sitting at a desk for hours on end with no fresh air can be counterproductive, which is why it is important to take regular exercise. Pick an exercise that works for you – a session at the gym, a run, a cycle or a brisk walk around the neighbourhood. This will stop you from getting lethargic and boost your mood.

Dos & don'ts

    • Don't study after 6pm the night before the exam
    • Do get some sleep – don't drink too many coffees or energy drinks
    • Don't forget to eat before you go into the exam. If it's a long one, a protein-based meal will keep you going all the way through
    • Do be specific and measureable in your revision goals – what are you going to cover?
    • Do have a timetable – prioritise it above all.
    • Do stick to your plan
    • Do believe in yourself. Believe in what you know.
    • Do your best, but keep everything in perspective. Stay calm and remember that there is an end in sight – revision and exams will soon be over and you'll be on your long summer break.