My first post in a while! I’ve been so busy
with exams/coursework as I approach the end of my first year at uni (terrifying
how fast it’s gone) I thought I’d collate a little generic list of exam tips,
partly for my own reassurance but for anyone else reading this with exams
coming up!
1)
Set realistic goals- you won’t
get anything done if you expect to read the entire works of Shakespeare and
make notes all before 1pm because you’ll just realize it’s too much and not do
anything. Work out how long you can realistically work for- for some people
this is half an hour, others forty-five minutes some people an hour and utilize
this to your advantage.
2)
Take breaks, keep hydrated-
Work for an hour, then take a break and get a drink of water and go for a walk
if you can. Don’t immediately log onto Facebook because otherwise you’ll be
there for the next half an hour.
3)
Don’t completely cancel your
entire social life over exam season- This is tempting as you feel that any minute
you’re not working is jeopardizing your entire future. It’s not. You need time
to relax. I’m not implying a wild night out two days before your first exams,
but take some time to chill with friends even if this is just an hour coffee
break in the nearest café or getting some lunch together. If you work hard there’s no reason not to give
yourself an hour or two off.
4)
Get rid of distractions- I’ve
installed Self Control on my Mac and it has literally saved my life. You set
the timer for any time between 15 minutes and 24 hours and it blocks all common
distractions, like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube. There’s no way of undoing it,
you literally have to wait until the timer is up so it forces me to work. Something
like this is really helpful for those of us with very little willpower (me).
5)
Ask for help- I know exam time
is a time when it appears everyone is looking out for themselves but don’t be
afraid to ask for help. The first port of call should be your
teachers/university professors, as it is their job to help you with any queries
or worries. However if you have a friend that is really hot on a topic that
just makes no sense to you why not propose an hour revision session? Offer to
go over another topic that they don’t get as much or just haven’t revised yet
in return. But don’t take up too much of their time!
6)
Finally, don’t stress- I know
this is easier said than done but honestly not stressing will lead to better
sleep, better general mental health and a better mindset to work and sit exams
in. If you are really struggling reach out to someone who will hopefully
reassure you and let you know that everything is going to be okay (my first
call is always my mum who has listened to countless exam stresses with me and
always reminds me when the results come in how stressed I was over nothing!)
Good luck to anyone with exams, whether
they be GCSE’s, AS or A Levels or University or any other type of exam! Leave
any further tips or advice in the comments and remember- you WILL be fine!
xxx
