This day next week, I will no longer be an undergraduate. All that sits between me and the next stage of my life is a three-hour business exam.
It's certainly going to feel strange when I walk out of the exam hall knowing I don't need to do any further studying or revising. I'm definitely going to have that 'lost', 'stuck in limbo' feeling for a whole month while I wait to see if I have passed - really not looking forward to that anxious wait! Both my second and third years of study have been very intense, so I can't wait to have actual free time to do things and not be worrying about studying.
Revision has been going well and I have near enough covered everything for the exam. I'm feeling comfortable with the material and it helps that I genuinely enjoyed studying the module (B324 - Marketing and Society). That being said, I'm at the point where I just want it to all be over so I can relax. Revision is demanding, so I thought I'd share what I do to make it more bearable.
1) Have a plan.
Sounds obvious, but having a plan means I know exactly what I have to cover in a day and breaks whole topics down into manageable chunks. This eliminates the feeling of being over-whelmed, and gives structure so I'm not just endlessly revising.
2) Take breaks.
So important! Our brains can only take in so much and if you're constantly revising you'll suffer with info overload. I like to study in little chunks, covering a part of a topic and then having a 5 - 10 minute break to let the information assimilate. I take my breaks away from the place where I'm revising to fully reap the benefits. Then I'll test myself, go back over my notes, and move onto the next part.
3) Listen to your body.
If you're feeling like the information isn't going in, then it probably isn't. If I feel like this then I'll have a small 5-10 minute rest, read over the parts I have already covered and start again. If I'm still feeling rubbish then I'll get a drink and a snack, or have a power nap (I swear by these!). Sometimes a change of topic is needed, so if all else fails then I'll switch to something else.
4) Do something different.
It can feel like revision is taking over, so I make sure I do something that doesn't include study. It's super beneficial to give your brain a rest, and stops that feeling of constantly revising. I like to exercise, bake, read magazines and watch YouTube videos. Anything that is short, enjoyable, relaxing and means you're brain isn't 100% engaged is perfect.
5) Eat and drink.
When I'm very focused I can easily forget about eating and drinking. Revising is hard mental work and you need to have fuel to concentrate and revise effectively. I have a bottle of water with me at all times, ensure I'm eating proper meals with carbs, proteins and fats and have little snacks in-between. Feeling hydrated, satiated and energised really helps me tackle the material.
6) Environment is everything.
Where you study makes such a difference to your revision experience. I tend to study in the living room or my bedroom as I hate 'formal' study places - I like to be able to lay on my bed or sofa and feel comfy. A bit of instrumental background music is fine, but silence is best for me; I'm lucky that I live in a peaceful street and house!
7) Treat Yo'self.
Scheduling a day with little-to-no revising is vital. I take Sundays off, where I just skim over the topics I've covered the past week and spend the day relaxing and socialising. I always feel rested and refreshed on Monday ready for another week.
Revising is hard, and balance is key; being strict with yourself and being kind, doing enough so you cover what you need and also taking time away from studying. Remember it's only for a short amount of time and when it's over you can have a well earned rest. I'm planning on sleeping and not moving for a whole week ;) Do you have any tips that keep you going when revising? Let me know!
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