Brace yourself, exam season is coming!

Everyone studies differently, but there are certain strategies that can be utilized to maximize your ability to learn and retain information.

Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your study sessions:

Study in the right space

Your mind will be in a good place if your body is in the right space. For some the library works best, because there are less distractions around. Others get the most done in the comfort of their own home surrounded by everything they need. Wherever it may be, put yourself in an environment where you can effectively get work done.

Study in chunks

Break up the course content you need to cover and study it in chunks. Tackling concepts one at a time can help you understand something and move on, rather than trying to take everything on at once. This technique can also help you with time management and scheduling breaks.

Eat healthy snacks

Eating healthy portion sizes and choosing nutritious foods means having more mental and physical energy. Healthy choices allow you to get the most out of your brain power!

Move around & stay active

Keep your blood flowing and move around every once and a while! Exercise and blood flow will help keep your brain alert and awake. Physical activity also prevents cramping, and in the long run extends the amount of time you’ll be able to spend studying.

Quiz yourself

Put your working knowledge to the test and practice by quizzing yourself. Or you can get a friend or family member to take a few minutes and quiz you on your notes. Sometimes you won’t know that you don’t know something until your notes are taken away from you. Quizzing yourself can help you understand what areas you need to focus on more.

Read information aloud and explain it to others

Reading information aloud can help you retain what you learned. You may think you understand the concept, but explaining it to someone else can help improve your understanding and get you to formulate a great answer for the test.

Take a break from your computer

Everyone knows taking breaks is necessary during long study sessions, but try and stay away from technology on these breaks. Watching Netflix can be a terrible idea if you get pulled into a Walking Dead marathon. Alternatively listen to some music, or go on a walk. Do something that truly counts as a break and doesn’t distract you from getting back to the books.

Hopefully some of these strategies will help you get the most out of your study sessions and get prepared for exam season.