6 Study Tips That Will Help You Conquer Your Finals

We've rounded up some of the best study tips to help you pass your exams with flying colours.

Hopefully you took a stab at studying for those finals over the holiday break, but if not, don’t fear! We’ve rounded up some of the best study tips to help you use your time more effectively and ensure you pass your exams with flying colours.

1. 1. Start early
   You’ve heard this one time, and time again, but it really is essential to ensuring you feel confident on exam day. Save yourself the stress of last minute cramming and start early. You’re only helping yourself by giving yourself more time. To really benefit from this tip… make a study schedule! Instead of saying that you will begin studying a week before the exam, why not be more specific and plan what you want to accomplish? Take a calendar or planner and write down which sections of material you will review and when. This will help you stay on track, and avoid over-cramming.
2. 2. Utilize your study guide
   This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised! A lot of teachers and professors provide this helpful information, so use it! It will save you from reviewing the things you won’t need to know, and allow you to focus on the things you do. If your teacher doesn’t provide you with an exam study guide, create your own! Go through the chapters and lessons that will be covered on the exam and make a note of the key lessons to review and areas where you’re still a bit shaky.
3. 3. Switch it up
   Whether it’s a different room in your house, a local café instead of the library or sitting outside instead of inside, studies have shown that changing up your study space is better for your memory recall during exams. Even if you have a favourite study space, don’t be afraid to switch it up!
4. 4. Study with a friend
   This may seem like bad advice, but I promise you, it’s not…as long as you and your friend are actually studying! Studying for the same exam with someone else can really help to ingrain info into your memory. Explaining a concept aloud, or teaching something to your friend helps you to get a solid grasp on the material. As well, if you’re unsure of something, they are there to help and problem solve alongside you. So, for your upcoming exams, why not make it a team effort?
5. 5. Write lots of notes
   This tip may seem obvious, but there is research that suggests that we retain more information by writing it out by hand, versus typing it out on a computer. Writing notes is an excellent way to review your material. If there are certain things you are struggling to remember, take pen to paper and write it down.
6. 6. Take breaks
   Bet you didn’t expect to see this one on here, did you? But it’s true! Taking breaks and rewarding yourself will immensely boost your productivity. As much as you may want to just get your studying done and out of the way, take a few small breaks during your study session to boost your focus. The best type of break you can take is to get some exercise or some air, but, if you’re dying to chat to a friend or scroll through Instagram for a few minutes, you can use those activities to reward yourself as well.

Want some other helpful tips to ace those exams? Check these out!