This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

So… Easter break has finished before you’ve started revision, and you’re now wondering where all the time went? Same. But if you’re here, this can at least constitute as some form of studying. Also, it’s not listed here but a good alternative is to ignore all responsibilities and binge-work Netflix.

Warning, results may vary.

1) PLAN YOUR BREAKSStudying is important, but it’s useless if you can’t relax from time to time. It’s been proven that the best time to revise is in intervals of 30-50 minutes, with a 10 minute break in between.

2) EXERCISE PROPERLY

Again, exercise is good for the brain and helps to get your creative juices flowing. Therefore, exercise is good for when you actually need your brain to function. It’s a win-win: if you hate exercising, suddenly studying will not look as bad, and if you love exercise, then this could be fun. It’ll also help you to break the ‘reclusive student who lives on coffee’ stereotype, so generally a positive.

3) LISTEN TO THE RIGHT MUSIC

Music can be fun – so fun in fact that you will want to focus on that rather than the boring sheet of paper in front of you. It’s good to listen to ambient music to help keep you motivated. I recommend listening to movie soundtracks – John Williams is always a safe bet.

4) DON’T STAY IN ONE POSITION

It’s easy to becoming stagnant if you stay in one place – it also becomes very, very boring. For a change in scenery, it’s always beneficial to move to different positions and places as the hours pass or even an entirely different location.

5) SIT IN A PUBLIC AREA

If you’re a student who has access to a library, allow that to be your haven. It’s quiet, it has great facilities and above all, you will be noticed if you stare off into space for over 20 minutes. It isn’t the same if you’re sitting alone in your room.

6) HAVE FRIENDS HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE

It’s simple to make excuse for not doing work today – after all, you’re the reason that the work wasn’t done today. Make sure your friends know what work you’ve done, and what you haven’t done, so it’s another way to force yourself into it. Be the nagger, not the nagged.

7) CHEW GUM

Surprised? Chewing gum tricks the body into thinking that a meal is around the corner, which increases insulin production. A lot of research has been carried out that suggests students who chew gum are more receptive, focused and generally get higher scores.

8) LEARN HOW TO HIGHLIGHT

People often relying on highlight to bold things that are important, but an excessive amount will only blur the page. Use different colors for different functions and use it sparingly. It’s better to get lost in a blank page rather than a luminous one – it’s easier on the eyes.

9) DO NOT COMPARE NOTES BEFORE YOU TAKE THE EXAM

Usually, it doesn’t help. It’ll either cause you to panic about what you don’t know, or question everything you do know. If you’re really ready for this exam, focus on yourself and what you’ve studied. Trading notes at the last minute won’t help you at all. Only prayers can do that.

10) REWARD YOURSELF

Yes, exams are looming and there are a billion things you haven’t revised (it’s important to know that you’re not the only one), but don’t punish yourself. You have tried to revise and study, remind yourself that when things get rough. Your mental state always comes before any exams.

BONUS:

11) CLOSE THE TAB, AND GET TO WORK

Good luck on the other side!

Edited by Nicole Swain

Sources:

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