It’s that time of the year, you’re midway through your third term and exams are almost upon you. Whether you are in your first year or preparing for your finals, you need a good plan, some structure and you will need to resist all temptation to procrastinate. Distractions are there – the student bar, the sunshine, parties, daytime television – they’re endless. Here are some tips to help you stop procrastinating during exam revision.
Make a Plan
The first step is to structure your revision. It can be overwhelming to look at an exam timetable and wonder how you’re going to cover everything in that time period. Yet, if you set out a plan with allocated time to each exam and each topic you want to go over, you’ll find it is not as overwhelming as it might first appear. Knowing what you are going to do today is a great way to stop procrastinating during exam revision. See them as tasks to be achieved rather than mountains to climb.
Schedule Breaks
A rest is as good as a change, as they say. It may seem strange to encourage people to do nothing, but if you get some exercise, go for a walk in the sunshine or watch a film, you’ll recharge. Sometimes, people procrastinate because they are too exhausted. Scheduling relaxing time can help mitigate the behaviour of wasting time doing nothing. Other times, people procrastinate because they are anxious or worried. Simple mindfulness exercises can be a great way to stop procrastinating during exam revision.
Work With Someone
One of the main tips to stop procrastinating during exam revision is not to go it alone. Revision can be fun and productive if you choose to do it with a friend or two in order. You can also help each other with weaknesses, by sharing knowledge and understanding. Working together proves very effective in any working environment and exam revision is no different.
Go to the Library
For many reasons, the library is a good place to study. Most restrict access to social media so you won’t be distracted by your friends having fun. It is a quiet place to work and you have access to the books and journals you will need as part of your revision too. Unfortunately, many people will be having the same idea and you may struggle to find somewhere to sit while you study. If this is the case, then find somewhere else – perhaps a vacant lecture theatre or classroom.