We’re aware many of you will have exams scheduled in January after returning from your Christmas break. We’ve prepared some useful tips to help you effectively revise while enjoying a well earned rest.
The run up to your exam:
- Prepare in advance – Set out plenty of revision time well in advance of your exams – around six weeks is usually enough, but leave yourself more time if you feel like you might need it. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Make sure you’re revising effectively – Focus on essential materials and be active rather than sitting and reading for hours at a time.
- Ask for support – Don’t be afraid to ask your tutor or lecturer for help if you get stuck during your revision.
- Make time for yourself – Don’t focus your whole life on revision.
Use the night before your exam wisely:
- Mindfulness & meditation – Learn a relaxation technique in advance and utilise it.
- Have a hot bath – Having a hot bath improves mood and optimism.
- Listen to music – Listening to music has a tremendously relaxing effect on the mind and body.
- Watch a funny movie – Humour is a great way to take your mind off your worries.
- Get prepared – Check the time and location of your exam and pack your pencil case.
- Have a good night’s sleep – Sleep is more valuable than a few hours of extra revision. Get at least 7-8 hours.
Eat & drink:
- Be sure to eat something the night before – Even if you normally skip meals or avoid eating when you are nervous, you should still make the time to eat something. If you really cannot stomach food, then try having a protein shake or smoothie.
- Eat a good breakfast – Good breakfast combinations might be whole-grain cereal, eggs and toast with jam, porridge, oatmeal or sugar-free muesli. Or try some fresh fruit such as melon, oranges or strawberries.
- Eat brain boosting food – Brain boosting food includes protein-rich foods which can leas to greater mental alertness. Healthy food choices on exam day include eggs, nuts, fruit, yoghurt, and cottage cheese.
- Drink plenty of water – Dehydration makes you lose concentration, feel faint and sap your energy. Drink enough before and during your exam. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink a glass of water.
- Drinks to avoid – In general, try to avoid alcohol around exam time to avoid hangovers, dullness or excessive fatigue. Avoid sugary sodas and colas. Avoid caffeine, as it can increase your nervousness but if you drink coffee regularly; allow yourself a small cup with a healthy snack in the morning.
Make sure you wake up:
- Set an alarm – Set an alarm. Set two. Get a family member or friend to check you’re up if you’re still worried. Just make sure you get to the exam in plenty of time.
During the exam:
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Repeat this whenever you begin to feel anxious.
- Read through the instructions and questions slowly and carefully, highlighting key points.
- Plan your answers. This is important as it helps your writing flow and means you don’t end up panicking and going off on tangents.
- Answer the easiest question first if you feel like this will relax you.
Some extra useful tips:
- Try to make time for yourself away from your studies to wind down.
- Take time for your mind and body to relax. Chatting with friends, meditation, yoga or just watching a bit of telly can take the edge off.
- Take time to exercise. Regular and frequent exercise is a good stress reducer.
- Talk to your family and friends. Making time to see your mates will help you unwind and let you unburden any problems.