Get Planning!

With exam season fast approaching it is so important to plan. When I mean plan, I mean everything. Life is stressful enough and the added pressure of exams and revision to consider over the Christmas break isn’t an easy one. But I promise you if you organise, schedule and divide your time accordingly you’ll be able to get all your revision done as well as having some Christmas fun too.

So, my first bit of advice would be to get a timetable from now up until your exams (it’s never too early to start). Look at your exams and where they are placed and create a revision timetable accordingly. Schedule in revision, breaks and free time. This way you will be able to keep on top of your revision as well as creating some guilt-free time for you. This is key to you helping deal with exam anxiety.

Make sure you’re getting plenty of rest, good food and exercise too because this will help to fuel your revision and put you in the best position.

Think! Where and how do you work best?

When it comes to revising everyone works differently. Personally, I work better from home, away from the distraction of friends and with the constant supply of free coffee. When it comes to studying at university level it can appear daunting. However, it’s simpler than you think:

• Organise your notes
• Look at past papers
• Speak to your lecturers about anything you’re unsure of
• Make weekly goals: plan what your aims to learn are, this way you can keep on top of your revision
• Write out your notes: this will enable you to process the information
• Condense your notes further to either bullet points or flash cards. This will help you to digest the information quickly and easily.
• Test yourself to see where you’re at, this will help highlight what you may need to work more on

Don’t forget support!

There is so much support provided by the University. So, utilise it! I found great use in attending study skills which enabled me to understand how to revise effectively. The study skills sessions also helped me to divide up my time efficiently which alleviated my anxieties. Don’t be afraid to speak to tutors. But more importantly share notes with your friends and fellow students, it will reduce the workload and help you see whether you’re on the right track. 

Exam day

On the day of the exam make sure you know where you’re going and that you’ve rested up well the night before. I’d suggest arriving to the venue half an hour before you’re scheduled to start. This has always help to settle my nerves. You can either flick through your flash cards or grab a coffee and have a chat to your friends. Alternatively, sit in silence.

Remember, no matter what is facing you, simply take your time, breathe and plan. If you’re prepared, you’ll always do much better than you think. There’s no need to panic.

Best wishes,
Tess

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