Bring your A-game.
Exam season is rapidly approaching and it’s best to get yourself ahead of the game and start studying early. Sure, it’s not the most glamorous way to spend your time, but it’ll save you from any inevitable frantic cramming the night before the big day.
Not the best at studying? Need some tips and tricks to get your study game on point? Keep on reading.
1. Make a Quizlet
We all know that one prof that expects you to know every term, list, and definition you learned during the semester—but there’s a solution.
Quizlet is an online flashcard website that allows you to put all of your important study notes on flashcards. Flashcards are an amazing way to memorize important terms or lists and exercise your brain. By adding all relevant terms onto flashcards, you’ll be able to review and revisit content time and time again. Quizlet also offers games to make studying a little more bearable. We said a little.
2. Study with friends
Teamwork really does make the dream work.
Study buddies provide much more than just company. Talking through exam concepts can actually help you understand them better. If you’re anything like me, you probably retain more information from conversations with your friends than you do from your study notes. Grab your friends, some snacks, and plan a study date to help you get through exam season.
3. Don’t forget to take a break once in a while
It happens, you’ve inevitably left your studying until the last minute and you’re forced to cram.
Now while you may think studying for hours on end is the way to go, it’s not as helpful as you think. Taking regular breaks helps to improve your focus and concentration so you can actually retain the information you study. The key to success while studying isn’t to cram it all in one go, but to study at a good pace and take breaks when you need it. Get some fresh air, watch some YouTube videos, and distract yourself momentarily so that when you get back to studying, you’re back better than ever.
4. Snack it up
Now we’re talking.
Once you finally get to study, there can be a point where you forget the basic necessities – like food, water, and sleep – required to function. While you’re studying don’t forget to pack yourself some healthy snacks to give your brain the power it needs. Some great brain-fueling snack options are almonds, dark chocolate or popcorn. These foods provide your brain with healthy energy boosts, antioxidants, and so much more. Plus, they keep you full so it’s a win-win.
5. Plan out your time wisely
Fail to plan, plan to fail.
By now, chances are you already know your exam schedule. Depending on how your semester has gone, you probably know which exams you need to be most worried about. Grab your agenda and allot your time according to which exams come first and which may be harder concepts to comprehend. Once you have a clear understanding of your timeline, plan to study a little each day and eventually the material will stick.
We understand how stressful a time this may be, but don’t worry – you’ve got this.
Best of luck!
If you are ever in need of guidance, feel free to stop by the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.
Finals season got you down? Say goodbye to stress with these simple tips.
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