With revision week looming ahead, therefore signaling exams and winter break, I occasionally find myself panicking about revising. My first instinct whenever I feel totally underprepared is to make a list, because nothing beats the satisfaction of getting things done and crossing them off my list. Here is my checklist for the coming days as I begin to revise.
#1. Correct your sleep cycle
Arguably the most important thing you can do before going into revision week is to correct your sleep cycle. This is not something that happens overnight (literally). So, shake off your 3am nights and opt for going to bed around midnight. Try to get yourself out of bed around 8am, especially if you have any pesky 9am exams. You don’t have to start revision at 8am, but you should get your brain and day started. You will thank yourself later- trust me.
#2. Get yourself some snacks
Unhealthy snacking can leave you sluggish and won’t support all the studying you are doing. Opt for fruit, veggies, popcorn, hummus, granola, water, and cheese. The occasional treat won’t kill you, but balance is really important. Three solid, healthy meals a day and a reward for your studying is always my plan of action!
#3. Organize your notes and documents
This is probably the most obvious of suggestions, but the one that always seems the least appealing. Rewriting and organizing notes can be really time consuming. Collecting all your papers from the semester can be tedious, but it is critical to making your study time the most productive.
#4. Find your study spaces
There is no one perfect study space. I find The Bean Room (on Bell Street) is the perfect space to type up notes; the library is the best for reading and research; and my room is the best for organizing papers. Essentially, have a few study spaces that work for you, because you know one night you’ll show up to the library and there won’t be a seat in sight. Thus, have a backup study space in mind (hint – http://www.yourunion.net/support/education/studyspaces/).
#5. Block out time to exercise
Plan time in your agenda every day to exercise. It gives your mind a break; allows you time to process what you are studying; and improves your overall health. A walk, a run, yoga, or spin classes all are good options. Signing up ahead of time can also increase the inclination to go.
#6. Find your study group
While independent study time is important, find a good group that you can review with and talk over the material. Blocking out time with a study group makes you accountable to put in that study time. The right group helps you prepare and helps you think in different ways about the topic. However, pulling together this group can be difficult. You have to find the right balance between your and everyone else’s study styles. The group cannot be too large; I always think four people are ideal. Also, it doesn’t have to be your tutorial classmates as outside classmates often have interesting, new insights. Most of all, it’s important to find people who are focused enough to get stuff done but relaxed enough to make it (relatively) enjoyable. Choose wisely, my friends!
#7. Plan ahead, but be flexible
The most important thing to remember about revision week is that stuff happens. Things will come up, and having a rigid schedule will make you feel worse when something goes awry. Have a plan but allow room for things to change.
Good luck revising!