It starts with an innocent timetable, and before you know it, you’re in the middle of a full-fledged war. It is you vs textbooks vs the need to sleep. Your allies, coffee, 5fm and PLENTY of hi-lighters. Saying “No” to the best parties, and “yes” to Ice cream. If you don’t know it by now, I’m talking about exams. Things have been kicked up a notch now that you are a student, and coping with exams can be a nightmare. If the mention of the word “summary” sends you screaming, then here are a few study tips for you.
Remember… YOU ARE HUMAN.
Susan in your class has summarized her entire text book. Her study notes amount to a pile bigger than the notes you have been taking all term. She has used sticky notes, colour pens, and hi-lighters. IN 4 DIFFERENT COLOURS. You look at your 3 pages of study notes scribbled in blue pen and think to yourself, “right. I’m screwed.” WRONG.
Find a study method that best suits you and put as much time and effort into it as what YOU think you need.
Don’t limit yourself to cliché study relaxation tips
Just because some website tells you to take a bath, go for a jog or brush your dog to help you focus whilst studying doesn’t mean it’s going to help you. What REALLY helps you is when you do the things that YOU like, resulting in you being happy. Go browse Facebook, dance like an absolute loser around your room, or watch a good movie. Just remember not to get completely distracted and forget to study altogether! Rather use these as rewards for pushing yourself over the hump.
Some people have the zombie ability of being able to study constantly for 3 hours. Some can only manage 15minutes. If you fall into the second category don’t worry. Rather hit it hard for 15 min, take a 5 minute break and then hit it hard again for 15 minutes. Before you know it, you have studied for a couple of hours, and will still feel fresh.
Try to plan ahead
Although going out for the entire weekend instead of studying may seem like a good idea at the time, you are going to regret it when Sunday rolls around and you have to pull an all-nighter. Try and find a good balance – study for a good amount of time each day, and try to limit your night life to going out one night a week during exams.
Do: Go out, meet your friends and clear your mind for a couple of hours.
Don’t: Drink so much that you can’t work the next day.
Get Creative!
Draw pictures of your notes, write a rhyme to help you remember them, or record yourself reading them and listen to them over and over at gym, in the bath, or whilst on your way somewhere. Technology GOT THIS