Exams can be a hugely stressful time in your life, so now is a great
time to begin your exam preparation for Session 1 exams. To help reduce stress
and ensure you’re as organised as you can be, learn more about looking
after yourself, and about staying focused in order to be as ready at
exam time as you can be!
We’ve put together a few tips that might help you plan the lead up to your exams.
Take the time to plan:
- Prepare a study plan and goals for each day/week. Timetable when
your exams are and when you can fit in study time for each exam. - Talk to your employers early to let them know you need to limit your
shifts/hours while studying. - Create a study space that is large enough, comfortable, quiet, well lit, organised,
and has no distractions nearby. Find a quite place to study in your Library and Learning Commons. - Make sure you have everything you need for each study session.
- Use flow charts and diagrams. Put your information into a format that allows you to visualize information and create a visual
memory. - 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 can concentrate on study material. - Practice with past exam papers. Ask your lecturer is they have copies of old exams you can use as a study aid, or check out the Past Exam Search page.
- Download any eReserve readings you may need for your exams. Search using your subject code in Primo Search, and remember to change Search All to eReserve & Reserve by using the drop down menu.
Look after yourself!
- Exercise for 20 minutes before an exam. Research shows it can boost your memory and brain power leading to improved performance.
- Schedule activities you enjoy that reduce your stress levels into your study plan, such as sport, hanging with friends,
internet etc. - Don’t get hungry when studying, and reward your study
with a treat to keep motivated! The question is what do you use – gummy
bears, chocolate, chips. In saying this, it is also
important to remember that nutritious foods will keep your brain and
body energy levels going all day – so snack wisely! - Remember rest and relaxation, especially before bed, to slow your brain activity down.
- Just say “No” to parties during the weeks close to exams, think of the pay-off!
can help you prepare for each of your upcoming exams, via appointments
with Skype, email, or over the phone? In these one-on-one appointments,
ALLaN advisers can help you plan a study schedule, assist you with
revision techniques, discuss what to expect on exam day and teach you
strategies to stay calm and focused. You can book weekday or weekend
appointments, whichever suits your schedule most.
- Preparing for exams in an organised way, and
- Knowing what you do when you get into the exam room.
You’ll even get some handy study techniques you can adapt to any subject, learning style or schedule.
Remember
– these tips are only some of the things you can do to get the most out
of your exams. There may be other things that work even better for you.
Ask around – find out what your friends do for their exams – some of
their tricks might work for you too! Trust that all the hard work you
put in beforehand is enough, stay focused and calm and you’ll be able to
effectively demonstrate the depth of your knowledge. Best of luck from
your Library team!