We all know how difficult it is sometimes to find the motivation to revise and you might be doing everything to put it off, such as going out with friends, sleeping in, or catching up on a little TV. However, your focus right now needs to be your studies. So, to help you maintain a healthy and clear mind, we have created this short guide to help you.

Create a Plan
Most students study for around fifteen to twenty hours a week, prior to their exams, in between their socialising and exercising time, or work if you have a part-time job. Get yourself organised, create a plan or a to-do list to help you stick to your new schedule. Whilst it might seem time consuming, it’s well worth doing as it will help you in the long run. Make your plan as detailed as possible and specify which areas you are going to revise on a certain day and at what times.

Ensure that you can fit your revision in during the day when your concentration is at its best.

What Method Works for You?

There are many ways that you can revise, find the best way that works for you. Many people learn from reading the information and then writing it down, whereas others use flashcards, old exam papers or looking back at old notes.

The methods might depend on what it is you’re revising, for example, you might use flashcards to help you remember facts and you might use past exam papers to help test yourself.

Some students spread their revision over several days, using different methods such as the 2357 technique of revising. Reading your initial notes on day one, then revising them on days two and three, before giving yourself a break, and revising them again on days five and seven is quite popular.

Keep your revision interesting so you don’t get distracted on other things. Make sure that you’re comfortable with the methods chosen and try using coloured pens to help you retain information as well as spicing up your notes.

Take Regular Breaks
How ever you decide to do your revision, always remember, if the figures or information starts to “bounce off your eyeballs” then it’s important to take a break. However, it’s important not to get too distracted on your breaks, it won’t do you any good if you decide to watch TV for five minutes or catch up on Facebook and an hour later, you’re still at it.

Healthy Living
It may not seem relevant to revision but, maintaining a healthy diet can help keep your mind alert and positive. It can seem the easy option to eat junk food as you can grab it while on the move. Before you start your revision, do some batch cooking in advance, make sandwiches and wraps and even fruit salads. This way you’ll be allowing yourself a bit more time for your studies. Exercising is so important during your study times. By doing more physical activity you’ll be increasing your heart rate and making blood circulate faster which gives the brain more oxygen and boosts productivity. Not only this but it also reduces tiredness and stress which must be a good thing.

Get a Full Night’s Sleep
Probably the best piece of advice…being a student, you’re probably used to staying up until silly o’clock, but remember the whole point of Uni is to pass your exams and get your degree. Getting a full night’s sleep will give your brain a break from all the revision. You’ll also be able to wake up earlier, giving you more time in the day to revise.

Even though it might seem hard to maintain revising, just remember it won’t last forever. As soon as your exams are done, it’ll be summer, and you’ll free to do whatever you like until you start back. Happy Revising!

In the meanwhile, if you haven’t already secured your Sheffield student accommodation for 2024/25 or need help in looking for a place to stay next academic year, please contact us and see if we can help.