- Exercise for 20 minutes before an exam; research shows it can boost your memory and brain power leading to improved performance
- give yourself enough time to study. timetable when your exams are and when you can fit in study time for each exam
- Study where you have enough room to spread out your notes and textbooks. Find a well lit space that is free of distractions
- use flow charts and diagrams. Put your information into a different format that allows you to visualise information and create a visual memory
- mind maps help you create mental associations and understand how different information is
connected.
- Reward your study with a treat. Keep motivated! The question is what do you use – gummy bears, jelly beans, chocolate, chips….
- Practice with old exams. Ask if your lecturer has copies of old exams you can use as a study aid. Some lecturers will upload old exams to the exam search page
- Block distracting websites. We really like the sound of SelfControl, StayFocused and Cold Turkey all of which allow you to block certain websites for a nominated time/or after a nominated amount of time.
- Create Flashcards to test your knowledge
- Teach someone else, it will soon become clear if there are gaps in your knowledge and logic!
- Take regular study breaks. New knowledge doesn’t get absorbed after 90 minutes of continuous study. Most websites recommend taking a short break every 45-50 minutes to ensure you stay focused and concentrate of study material.
- Study with a group to share resources and insights.
- Listen to music that will keep your study productive. We recommend the blog “Music for Studying: 10 Tips to Pick the Best Study Music“.
- Meditate to gain increased focus and concentration and lessened levels of stress.
- Eat well with brain food. While important to treat yourself, it is hard to focus if you don’t eat nutritious foods that will keep your brain and your body energy levels going all day. Go for foods that will give you a slow release of food over a long period (think complex carbohydrates) and steer away from sugary snacks.
- Drink plenty of water, especially on exam day so your brain and body stay well hydrated.
- Find a quiet place to study – try the library quiet study areas
