A student's guide to revision

As a student myself, I am aware that even with exams looming, the last thing you want to do is sit down and revise. But it is really important that you do, so here are some tips on how to get through the stressful exam period:

1. Manageable revision: Don't try to revise for too long all at once. Do your revision in half-hour slots, stopping for a drink and a five or ten minute break in the middle. This will help you concentrate and you'll remember more of what you are revising.
2. Start early: Don't leave your revision until the last minute. If you haven't already, start revising now. It is true that it is never too late to start revising, but you shouldn't leave it until the day before your exam.
3. Get help: If you don't understand something then ask someone. Never suffer in silence. There is no point learning something from memory if you don't understand it, it won't help you in the exam. Get your teacher to explain it.
4. Make notes: Get a small pile of notes (Post-it or similar) and a biro and write all the key words from your subject onto the notes. Then stick them all over your house. As you walk around and see the words, challenge yourself to be able to say what they mean.
5. Revision tip: I find this a really useful way to revise. First, write out the key topics onto an A4 piece of paper. Fit as much on as you can. Then, take only the important bits and copy the information onto the A5 piece. Try to fit it all on! Condense it again onto the postcard. You should now have only the very important words left.

And finally - good luck in your exams!

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