10 game-changing revision tips you don't want to miss
Revision season is in full swing ahead of exams. Over on Twitter, we’ve been pumping out lots of revision tricks and hacks to help you nail your exams.
So if you prefer your study tips in small, bitesized nuggets, enjoy these – they could make a big difference when revising for your exams.
Have a specific revision problem? Explore our whole revision area to see if we have the answer.
1. Get organised
Start with a study timetable. It’s a quick win and will help you get a grasp of what needs to get done!
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Revision help and hacks: whi.ch/2Av4v0Q
A revision timetable helps you focus on what needs to be done and when by, which is very useful as exam season approaches. Essentially, it will make you study more efficiently and wisely.
We'd recommend putting your timetable together on a cloud storage service like Google Docs or an app, so you can easily access it wherever you're working from.
- Head to our article on making a revision timetable that actually works for everything you need to know.
2. Break topics down into bitesize chunks
Tackling a whole subject, a tricky module or a certain topic you've struggled with can be scary.
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Break these down into more manageable chunks to make them less overwhelming.
Start by dividing how long you have until your exams by how many subjects you study. Then, divide all the topics and areas you need to cover.
You can (and should) use this information to help put together your revision timetable.
3. Set manageable goals
Set goals you want to achieve every time you sit down to study (and test yourself on these).
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
This will ensure you're getting something out of EVERY study session and an inspiring sense of achievement throughout.
It's important to challenge yourself, but try not to give yourself unachievable aims for one study session.
Manageable goals will help keep you motivated – so instead of expecting yourself to absorb everything about Henry VIII's reign in half an hour, maybe focus on committing to memory ten key dates. After all, not many of us would be able to learn everything you need to know about any given topic in just one sitting.
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Learn from the best – A* students share their revision tips and secrets and Btec students share their revision advice
4. Shrink your notes
Writing down everything you need to remember can really help things stick! Gradually refine pages and pages down to brief notes and acronyms.
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Revision advice and tips: whi.ch/2Av4v0Q
Try to avoid reading the same set of notes over and over (and over) again – you'll probably get bored and will stop taking things in.
Keep shortening your revision notes, as by doing this you're continually interacting with what you need to remember.
5. Don't forget to sleep (not that we imagine you will...)
Sleep is important! Exam season can be emotionally (and literally) exhausting. Try to get at least eight hours a night (and stick to a routine).
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019.
Good sleep can help you remember things more easily, which is very important when it comes to revising and taking exams.
If you don't sleep well, you're also more at risk of burning out and losing focus and motivation.
Watch now: How to revise for your exams
6. A good friend doesn't always make a good study buddy
Pick your study buddies carefully!
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Which ones let you crack on or make a positive difference, and which ones just distract you?
If you think you'll get more done on your own, do it!
Simply put, you have to be a little selfish when it comes to studying and revising.
This doesn't mean you can't make any time for your friends or that you need to be alone all the time – but it does mean that you have to prioritise yourself and what kind of study works best for you.
7. Try to avoid burning out
You can't work non-stop.
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Take breaks and treat yourself to stay motivated to get the work done, e.g. a sweet treat, an extra episode of your fave show, an afternoon off.
Take time out to relax your brain, as otherwise you may find it tricky to concentrate and really absorb things.
Go for a walk, watch an episode or two of a TV show you like, catch up with your friends, or anything else that will help you wind down.
- Staying productive when studying – our tips on helping you stay on track.
8. Tune in and focus
Studying with music on, yes or no?
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Provided you don't waste time creating playlists, the right tunes can block out your surroundings and help you focus.
Music without vocals may prove the most study-friendly option – anything with lyrics could distract you and make you want to perfect your lip sync rather than revise.
It may also be worth not listening to your favourite artists and songs while studying – your future enjoyment of them could be at risk!
9. Practise, practise, practise...
Past papers will get you accustomed to the Qs you'll face - this way you won't be thrown off by the wording or fomat.
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
Also, practise picking out the key parts of the question quickly.
Apply what you've committed to memory through revising by tackling exams from previous years – it will help you focus what you know to achieve the highest marks.
It's also worth doing some past papers under exam conditions, to give you a better sense of how quickly you need to work through them when the day comes.
10. Remove tempting distractions
And finally (now you've read these tips), deactivate/uninstall social media or apps that suck up tons of time.
— Which? University (@WhichuniUK) April 5, 2019
You may be surprised how much your productivity skyrockets.
Many of us know the feeling of deciding to 'quickly check Instagram' to then find ourselves still watching stories hours later.
If the prospect of deleting your social media apps feels like a step too far, maybe just be strict with yourself about when you can use them and for how long.
You might be surprised by how much your productivity improves, as a result.
- Staying safe online - everything from social media privacy to setting secure passwords.
Now you've got some ideas to jumpstart your revision...
Learn how to revise more effectly. Check out in our revision hub, including how to stay productive and how to bounce back from disappointing mocks.
If exam nerves are getting the best of you, watch our video below...
Watch now: How to calm exam nerves
