The end is near, exam season is just around the corner…
To make things at least a little bit easier, I’ve piled together revision tips I’ve picked up through the years and some from my friends too!
1. Make a revision plan!
Now here I don’t mean the colourful revision timetables you made back in school but did not follow. The best way for me to structure what I need to study is to create a to-do lists for each day. I make sure to be realistic with the amount of work I can get done. A way to make my to do lists clear is to colour code the units I’m studying this semester.
2. Have a quick read through your notes
Before getting started, its best to go over your lecture notes and readings for the course units. While going through your notes, you can pinpoint if you’ve missed stuff out or topics that you struggled with. I do this by re-writing out my notes before I start revising, this helps me go over things I find difficult and add any extra notes.
3. Use past papers (if possible)
This is something I started to use early in my degree. Exams styles are incredibly varied; some are essay-based exams, multiple choice or online quizzes. The best way to understand the exam is to use past papers to understand how you are being examined. Past papers are easily available on Blackboard and are a useful way to test your knowledge.
4. Know your learning style
We all learn in different ways and by knowing your learning style, you will find it easier to study. When it comes to studying, I learn best by writing out my notes and condensing them.
5. Different revision techniques work for different units
I wish I knew this in my earlier years at University! In my first year, I assumed I could revise for everything in the same way. As the years have gone by, I realised that sometimes you have to adapt your revision techniques.
For some units I find it easier to put each topic into spider diagrams, whereas for others, there’s a lot of content so writing up notes and condensing them onto flash cards works best. This is also a good way to mix up your revision techniques and stops you getting too bored!
6. FLASH CARDS!
Now I know I said that you have to adapt revision techniques for each unit, but something that has never failed me when studying is flash cards! It Is a great way to condense your notes and it is much easier to study for things in small manageable chunks rather than piles and piles of paper,
7. What are you being assessed on?
At uni, you’ll be taught quite a lot, but often some academics will choose what topics they’ll assess you on. So, it is best to make sure what topics from your lectures will be on the exam and what do you need to prioritise.
That’s it for my University revision tips! Good luck with exams and summer is just around the corner!
Tasnim x