Study Skills
Revising and doing exams is not really one of the highlights of the year, however, establishing a knack of effective revision may make the whole experience a little less traumatic.
Of course some techniques work better for some students than for others but we thought we'd provide some top tips on revising that are almost fool proof!
1. It's never too soon to start:
- Check out material and note the topics that you must cover for each subject.
- Draw up a study timetable giving yourself realistic time for each subject.
- Try to allow 2-3 weeks for overall revision of those subjects already revised in depth.
- Try to stick to your timetable!
2. Be careful about what you select to revise:
- Ensure that all major topics are covered.
- Essay and seminar topics are often a good hint of things that are likely to come up.
- Make sure that all subjects are scanned - that will ensure that you have a good overview and may help you out of a sticky situation.
- Include all tutorial and seminar work.
3. Revision techniques:
- Don't just read - summarise and condense notes.
- Revise related subjects together.
- Criticise your notes - make sure you make remarks on your criticism.
- Make flash cards and posters with key things to remember - place them in strategic places like opposite the toilet or over the bath!
- Try to look at old exam papers - plan and write model answers to them.
4. Don't forget to have a life!
- Allocate 'time out'. Ensure you go out and see people who have nothing to do with what you are revising - give your brain a breather!
- Take regular breaks.
- Get fresh air and do some gentle exercise.
5. Work with friends:
- Try working with a small group of friends or maybe just one other person - it can be a bit of light relief as well as a chance to discuss the topics you are revising.
- Test each other - it gives you a clear idea of how much you know and need to know.
- Do make sure you revise together though, don't just have a social gathering for a few hours where at the end you realise you have only learnt the latest pieces of gossip!
6. The exam is tomorrow!
- Do not attempt anything new.
- Revise as normally as possible - don't forget some relaxation or camomile tea to help you calm down.
- Get all the necessary equipment together.
- Go to bed early.
7. I am not coping!
- Try to speak to your tutor and let them know how you are feeling.
- Go to the doctor if you feel unwell. Your Doctors' letter can be submitted to the Exam Board before the exam and may be used as evidence of extenuating circumstances.
- Exam counselling with the Counsellors at the Centre for Student Affairs will provide support and suggestions to alleviate some of the stress.
ABOVE ALL THINK POSITIVE - that's half the battle!
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