Get your geek on Now! so you can relax and enjoy a Merry Christmas!

• 19 Nov, '15
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We’re all guilty of leaving revision to the holidays and wouldn’t we rather be enjoying ourselves?

Christmas is fast approaching and that means January exams and deadlines are just around the corner. But panic not my friend, our Christmas exam revision tips will help you get prepared so the holidays are as stress free as intended.

Lecture notes

Try to take the time to type up those lecture notes scribbled in your pad so that when the holidays come around, you’re ready to roll – plus you might remember what some of those abbreviations mean while they’re fresh in your mind! Crucially, if there are any text books or further reading material you will need, make sure you take a trip to the library and grab anything you may want to help make revision as straight forward as possible. Why not photocopy pages if you are travelling far?

Revision timetable

To make your revision more manageable by breaking each subject down into topic chunks, then scheduling an hour or so for each topic. A top tip is to find five central key points for each topic that you aim to remember by the end of the session. A few hours of work a day doesn’t seem daunting and will allow you to take a few days off over Christmas without feeling guilty.

Breaks

Taking regular short breaks will help you to maximise your concentration when you sit down to work. As a rule of thumb, for every hour of revision, 50 minutes will be spent working with a 10 minute break before you begin the next topic. Everyone’s concentration time span differs so find a schedule that works for you, so grab a brew or a snack before you start your next session.

Work space

It is easy to think revising can be done anywhere and whilst it’s important you’re comfortable when working, it is a good idea to separate the areas you work from the areas you relax in. So find yourself a desk or table in a quiet spot, away from anything that could distract you such as TV, music and people – like our study areas. Likewise, make sure your work doesn’t creep into your relaxation space, this will ensure when you sit down to work you are fresh and focused.

Be realistic

We are all guilty of starting revision with the topics we favour or find easier. Try to break this habit and make sure you don’t neglect topics that need attention. Why not start with your least favourite, so you alternate between those you enjoy and understand, with those that may be a little more brain intensive? That way you will be revising in a balanced way covering a greater spectrum of your course.

Practise makes perfect

Practising past exam papers in the allotted time is a great way to work out how you’re getting on with your revision. It may be a wakeup call that you need to put in a little more work or a welcome relief you’re on track.

Grab yourself a study buddy

We all work in different ways but it is beneficial to revise in an active way. Don’t just read through your notes - test your memory as you go, creating spider diagrams and flash cards. As the exam date draws closer, why not team up with a course mate where you can discuss past papers, test each other’s memory and talk through topics you may not understand as well!? Some learn much better by actually discussing than reading. Give it a go!

KEEP CALM AND DON’T PANIC

Whilst a certain amount of pressure helps us perform better, panicking won’t help on the day of the exam. Planning and thinking ahead will help you to avoid the dreaded night before cramming. Take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays with family and friends knowing you have your revision and university work totally under control.