What are the Best Ways for Stressed Students to Revise?
There are very few students who relish the idea of an exam, and the majority of students get stressed when preparing to revise for exams. So what are the best ways to revise for stressed students and get through the exam period without losing it?
How your Surroundings Affect The Way You Study
According to UCAS: “How your surroundings affect the way you study” research has found that learning environments play a crucial role in student success. Several factors can affect learning ability, including seating, light, noise, and even colour. Students who study in a positive learning environment have been shown to be more motivated, engaged, and have a higher overall learning ability.
On the other hand, students learning in poor environments – those that are uncomfortable, loud, or full of distractions – will find it far more difficult to absorb information and stay engaged.
With this in mind, let’s look at how your surroundings affect the way you study, and consider some of the best ways to revise for stressed students and how to create your ideal learning environment.
No matter where you choose to study, be it your bedroom, a local coffee shop, or your university library, it is vital that you’re comfortable.
5 Best Ways to Revise for Stressed Students
1. Find the Best Place to Study
The Best Places to Revise for Exams
The Library
Your local library, or the library on your university campus, is a great place to study. Not only is it usually completely quiet, but you have all the reference books you might need on site, and the atmosphere is studious, inspiring and less distracting than other places.
Coffee Shop
Studying in a coffee shop can provide a sense of security for students who don’t like to feel alone. The ambient background noise and activity is a source of comfort that some students find is the best way for them to revise, by not feeling isolated and being around other people without being directly disturbed.
An added bonus of coffee shops is the free WIFI!
Just try to find a table away from the Barista zone to avoid being distracted by the staff calling out people’s names for pick-up!
Quiet Spot Outdoors
Sometimes the best place to study isn't inside four walls but under the open sky. Find a quiet spot outdoors, such as a quiet park or a secluded garden. The fresh air and connection with nature can do wonders for your concentration.
Spread out your study materials on a blanket, listen to the wildlife, and let the fresh air energize and inspire you.
Choose a spot away from the hustle and bustle of city life, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Just be aware of unpredictable weather – you wouldn't want your notes or laptop to get drenched in a sudden downpour!
Quiet Spot Indoors
Find a quiet room or spot in the house, away from distractions and settle down for a study session. You may want to change location after a study session to keep yourself energized.
Make sure the place isn’t too warm or cosy, and that you have good posture and ergonomics with your desk and chair.
Studying in bed is not the best place to work!
Study Group Sessions
Gather your study buddies for a collaborative learning session. A study group not only helps break up the monotony but a healthy debate or bouncing questions off each other allows for dynamic discussions, shared insights, and mutual support.
Choose a quiet corner in the library or a dedicated study space on campus to boost your collective focus.
An Empty Classroom Oasis
Classrooms after hours can transform into your personal haven for uninterrupted study sessions. The quiet surroundings and familiar environment can encourage a focused mindset. Just make sure you check for any scheduled events, so you don't accidentally become part of an impromptu drama rehearsal!
The Bookstore Hideaway
Surrounded by shelves of knowledge, a bookshop can also be an unexpectedly fantastic place to revise. The calming scent of new books and the hushed ambiance can enhance concentration. Plus, you're only a few steps away from grabbing a coffee-shop classic: a cup of tea or coffee and a muffin to keep you going.
Beachfront Brainpower
For those lucky enough to live near the coast, consider taking your books to the beach. The rhythmic sound of the tide and gently crashing waves can create a soothing backdrop to your study session. Just watch out for the wind and secure your flashcards! You wouldn't want your notes to become impromptu paper airplanes!
I just travelled back to my hometown in the UK, and enjoyed several walks along the beachfront. The sound of the waves is calming, the breeze is refreshing, and it helped boost my mindset and energy levels.
Whether it's the academic atmosphere of the library, the community spirit of a coffee shop, the solitude of an empty classroom, or the soothing embrace of nature, exploring different study spaces can add a refreshing twist to your revision routine.
Remember, the key is to find a place that suits your personal preferences and study style. Experiment with a few options, mix and match, and discover your ideal revision spot.
So, grab your books, find your perfect spot, and let the great outdoors become your study sanctuary.
2. Set Small Goals Every Day: The Power of Incremental Progress
One of the best ways to revise, particularly for stressed students, is to break down your revision into manageable chunks and set small daily goals.
Tackling bite-sized tasks not only makes the workload seem less daunting but also provides a sense of accomplishment with each completed goal.
Whether it's mastering a specific chapter, solving a series of problems, or memorizing key concepts, celebrate these small achievements to give you the confidence to keep going.
3. Vary the Topics: Spice Up Your Study Sessions
Diversity is the spice of life – and of revision!
Instead of spending hours on one subject for hours on end, mix it up. Rotate between different topics to keep your mind engaged and prevent burnout. This approach not only keeps you interested but also boosts your ability to recall information.
The best way to revise if Shakespeare's sonnets are making you feel stressed, is to take a break and dive into some else instead. Calculus equations anyone?!
4. Use the Pomodoro Technique: The magic of Time Management
The Pomodoro technique is a time management gem and the best way to revise for stressed students. It involves dividing your study time into concentrated periods of usually 25 minutes each (a Pomodoro), followed by a short break. After completing three or four Pomodoros, reward yourself with a longer break.
This technique helps to maintain concentration and prevent mental fatigue. It's like a series of sprints, ensuring you stay productive without burning out in the marathon of revision.
5. Do What Works Best for You: Personalize Your Study Approach
Everyone is different, and nobody knows you better than you do.
Experiment with different study techniques, environments, and schedules to find what works best for you. Some people are more effective and thrive in the early morning, while others are night owls. Whether listening to soothing music in the background, testing yourself with flashcards, or tutoring a friend, find what works for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to revision, so set up your study space and tailor your revision strategy to make the journey more enjoyable and effective.
Remember that revision is not just about absorbing information, which students may find difficult if stressed. The best way to revise is to optimize the process that works best for you, and suits your unique strengths and preferences.
With these strategies up your sleeve, you'll not only survive the exam period but thrive.
For more studying hacks, check out the advice from our collaborator FromtheSidelinesUK.
Happy studying!