Student Writer Denise provides some words of wisdom on how to ready yourself for upcoming exams.
Adios Easter Break, Aloha exam season.
In preparing for the inevitable, students are starting to realise that the pile of notes in the corner of the room still needs revising, and hiding it under last week’s heap of clothes won’t make it vanish into thin air (it won’t magically transfer the knowledge through your clothes and to your brain by wearing them on exam day, either.)
So, instead of denying the brutal truth, here are 8 fool-proof tips to help you fight the battle:
1. Ambiance is key.
Some find study-group sessions to be effective.
For others, one honey-comb-vanilla-scented candle and an empty room is the recipe for a productive day.
2. Routine, routine!
Disrupted sleep-study cycles won’t do you any justice on the big day.
Instead, get yourself in a healthy routine of a good night’s sleep (yes, the standard 8-hour thing is actually pretty helpful).
You’ll find yourself having a clearer mind and more productive days. SCORE!
3. Get your diet on board.
A healthy routine won’t be too effective if you’re seated 24/7 and living on energy drinks and chocolate bars to keep you alert.
Nourish yourself with clean, healthy foods (OK the occasional brownie won’t hurt) and make sure to get some 30-minutes of exercise a day.
4. Turn those notes into songs.
OK, if singing is not your thing, you might want to skip this. Adopt a creative study tactic that you find fun and effective.
You might want to try the ‘explain your notes to your childhood stuffed animals over a tea party’ skit, or play around with accents.
Admit it, reading your law notes in a Cardi B accent would be entertaining (and memory-stimulating!)
5. Go short, go far.
Making short notes is a classic revision tip, but why stop there when you can make short notes OF THE SHORT NOTES?
Revisiting notes over and over will boost your memory, whilst limiting the number of papers used – saving trees 101.
6. Breaks.
Another classic, but dangerous tip.
Fit in a 5-minute break for every hour of work, and keep your lunch breaks of reasonable length (no, the ‘siesta’ part is not included in the definition of a lunch break.)
7. Keep your inner Leonardo da Vinci in check.
Yes, visual tactics are indeed effective in enhancing memory, but unless you’re an art student practicing for an ART exam, remember your revision notes don’t have to belong in the Sistine Chapel.
8. Words of Wisdom.
Possibly the best tip I can give you.
Work hard and be productive, but don’t lose yourself in the process.
Remember, at the end of the day, grades do not define your worth!
