The last lecture week of the third quartile is almost over and next week the first exam week starts. These two weeks are the most stressful weeks for most of the students which return 4 times in a study year. It is a torture, especially for first-years who are not used to it yet. They use every second of the library opening hours and some even postpone lunch and dinner time. Does it really have to be that stressful? Here are some tips how to make the best of it and how to avoid the need of two weeks of holidays when the last exam is over.
1) Looking forward to the exam:
Probably this will surprise some students. How to look forward to an exam? But it is true. What matters is a positive attitude. Too much anxiety blocks the brain and only a little percentage from the read pages will be kept in mind.
2) Planning:
Still a thousand pages to read? A thousand and one exercises to repeat?
Before starting to study it is essential to make a study plan. A very important aspect is to plan in revisions and breaks. For every 45 minutes of studying 15 minutes of relaxing should be scheduled.
3) Distraction:
Facebook is surely one of the greatest sources of distractions. There is only one way to overcome this issue. Switch it off! Some students may argue that checking Facebook every 30 minutes is a good time investment but it is not. Use your time of relaxation to relax your brain from everything, not only from the study books but also from the outside world.
4) Learning styles:
Studying is stressful anyway therefore it is important to reduce as much stress as possible. A good step forward is to find out how to study efficiently. There are three learning styles: visible learner, verbal learner and students who learn best by hearing things. Once a student knows which of these three types is the best, studying will turn out in being way more effective.
5) Socialise:
At the last day before the exam it is very handy to meet friends and to talk about the study content. These will be the subjects which you definitely do not forget during the exam.
Laura-Lisa Hellwig
