Study tips for students

Examination periods are often very stressful for students. Preparing for exams demands time, organisation and intense concentration.

Along with students, many families also experience tension and strain come exam time. Parents and other family members try to support and encourage students, and tend to find it hard to accept they cannot do more to help. Some parents may seem to ‘nag’ students to do more, stop watching TV, turn off the radio etc. because they feel it is the only way they can assist with the student’s study.

This ‘nagging’, although well meant, can often cause disagreements, as emotions on both sides are stretched to the limit. Students feel they are being pressured by their parents and parents just want to help the student achieve their goals.

Following is a list of techniques students can use to make their study time as productive and stress free as possible. By following some of this advice, study and exam times may be a little calmer for everyone involved. 

Where to study

Where you study can be as important as what you study. It is best to set up a study space. This will become your quiet place for study and once it takes on that meaning you will find it easier to study there. It is no good trying to study in front of the TV or on your bed - bed is your sleeping area; find a special study area.

Clear off the desk. It is best to have the bare minimum in your study area to avoid distractions.

It is best to study alone but if you need to go over notes with someone, choose them carefully. If you think your friends will not take study seriously, don’t invite them.

Get in a routine

If you get started early enough before your exams you will find you don’t need to put in any all-nighters. One good hour of study is better than a whole night of trying to keep awake. Find the time of the day you study best. Pick a couple of hours and stick to this study time.

Plan ahead

Getting into a routine early and sticking to it is the best way to achieve the results you want. If you have only limited time to study, make a schedule. Draw up a list of the most important topics to study, then work out how much time you can spend on each before the exam day.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the workload. If you stick to a schedule it will start to seem manageable. Make sure you have the syllabus for each subject or course. If you follow the syllabus there will not be any nasty surprises. Take it one step at a time and stay calm.

What to study

We all have subjects we like and ones we can’t stand. It is very tempting to study the ones we like and leave the nasty ones for another time. This is a mistake. If you study the  subjects you dislike first you will better your chances.

You generally do your best study first, so this time should be used for subjects you✸ struggle with. Putting more time into your weaker subjects will improve your over-all score.

Look after yourself

Keeping a balanced diet is an important part of being in control of your study habits. ✸ Fresh fruit and vegetables will give you reserves of energy and increase your ability to ✸ concentrate. Avoid junk food and foods high in sugar.

Don’t skip meals, and avoid eating very large meals, as they tend to make you want to have a nap. Limit your caffeine intake as this can affect your concentration. Overuse can  leave you irritable and disturb your sleep patterns.

Keeping a regular sleeping pattern is very important. Don’t stay awake all night trying to study. Instead, get a good night’s sleep and try to study in the morning when you are ✸ fresh. If you are finding it hard to sleep, wait until you have calmed down before going to bed. Wind down after study and try some relaxation exercises.

Having regular exercise will keep your mind active, and help you to sleep at night. It is also a great way to have a break when you find your concentration is dropping. Just jump on the bike, run around the block or take the dog for a walk. It is worth investing the ✸ time in exercise for the mental boost you will receive.

Reward yourself

It can’t be all about study, study, study. If you have achieved a goal reward yourself with something you like doing.

Know what to expect

Find out if the test or exam is going to be multiple choice, short answer or essay length.

If the questions are mainly multiple choice:

• Answer all the questions
• Try to notice the slight variations in the answers. Often they will seem very similar. The examiner will often want a very specific answer.
• Trust your first instincts, they are often right
  
  

If the questions are mainly short answer or essay style:

• Plan each question before writing your answer. A few minutes to make an essay plan can save a lot of time over all. Make use of the reading time at the start. If you are in the middle of planning an essay, don’t stop just because the reading time is over. Keep your train of thought and finish the plan.
• Clear and simple writing is best. If you try and fill empty space with unnecessary ‘padding’, it will take away from the main points you want to get across.
• Know what sort of questions will be asked. Make sure you  have looked at past exam papers and sample papers as this will give you an idea of the way the questions will be presented.
  

Plan each question before writing your answer. A few minutes to make an essay plan can save a lot of time over all. Make use of the reading time at the start. If you are in the middle of planning an essay, don’t stop just because the reading time is over. Keep your train of thought and finish the plan.

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