Exam survival - Sitting down to revise

So, you're motivated and ready to revise. But what now? Today I'm going to talk a bit about how to actually sit down to revise. What you need, where to do it and other tips. Hope this helps someone...

My first tip is to potter about for a bit before you start. This sounds weird, but leave about half an hour before your scheduled revision start to just wander around. So you can do everything that would be on your mind while you should be revising. Whether that's texting your friend to say that you might take a while to reply, or tying your hair up because you love to look fabulous.

Personally, I hate to work when my hairs scruffy and my rooms messy because I feel like I haven't properly got into the day. So I leave a bit of time to braid my hair and shove everything into my wardrobe so I can't see it. You might want to reserve some time to do a final twitter timeline scroll with a cake before sitting down. Then you will feel up to date and not always itching to reach for your phone.

 

That leads us nicely to the Big One: technological distractions. Phones, laptops, tablets. Mixed with twitter, Facebook & tumblr. Together they can take over your life and stop you from getting any work done. It's funny, sometimes I find myself watching videos on how to get straight A's or something, rather than actually working?!

Everyone says just put them on silent and out of reach, but it's more than that! Obviously you should do that... but there are some other things that I do so I don't feel tempted to pick up a device.

Make sure that you finish off any conversations. I can never concentrate if I'm in the middle of a conversation because I always want to check if they've replied and what they've said. So just text close friends that you might be talking to and say that you won't be able to reply as quickly but you'll text them when you can. (During a well deserved break maybe?)

I normally have a quick scroll on twitter before I start so I don't feel left out. (Replace twitter with your social network site of choice.) Sometimes I go as far as turning my notifications off because even that little light popping up can be too tempting!

If you listen to music, try playing it off either an old iPod or Bluetooth speakers so you don't actually have to have your phone/iPod with you.

Finally, get organised! I've touched on this already but I think it's really important. If you just completely clear a table and shove any clutter around you somewhere you can't see, it will help so much. It helps prevent distractions but also helps clear your mind so you can start revising. Get your books all ready (but only for the subjects you're doing) and your pens laid out.

I suggest either sit close to, or prepare food before you start. All this stops you from having to keep getting up and interrupting your focused revision.

I hope some of these tips help you to actually sit down and start revising. Remember: the earlier you start, the less stressful it will be! If you have any different things you do before revision, leave a comment below as I'd love to hear them.

Come back on Sunday for the next edition of Exam Survival!

 

Thanks and keep reading

Laura Stone x

Exam survival - Revision tips #1

 

So today I'm not doing my usual book related post but I thought I'd talk a bit about exams (specifically revision tips.) I know it might seem early, but I know from experience that around now, the stress kicks in and you have to start panic working. I thought I'd try and help you out by sharing some of my revision tips (that I used during GCSE's.) This is the first post in my new 'Exam Survival' series that I will post every Sunday and Thursday. 

 

Hope this helps someone out there...

 

• My first tip that I swear by is flashcards. Don't roll your eyes! I know some people have always loved flashcards but there are some people that have just never used them and don't get how they work.

I definitely used to be the latter, but they're brilliant! They are so useful for just remembering small facts that you can then use to boost your level. Especially subjects like History and Geography, they really help with remembering dates or other statistics. And in science they're fab for remembering definitions.

 Also its less overwhelming to just whip out some flashcards to do some quick revision rather than sitting down to make a mind map or poster. If its the process of actually making flashcards which is putting you off, try getting an app on your phone? That's what I do. There are so many easy apps so  you'll always have them with you, they're quick to make and you can even do little bits of revision if you're stood in an unexpected queue or something. The app I use (on android) is called Supercard Flashcards which you can check out here. But there are loads for both android and apple.

 

  

• My next tip is to do revision that suit you. Simple. Everybody raves about mind maps (and I must admit, I think mind maps are a really great way to revise.) But if mind maps don't suit you, then do it your way! I've got a very logical friend who just likes to write lists... for everything. He does lists for subjects, topics, key words and more. Then he can tick them off when he's done and its like an accomplishment.

 I've got another friend who makes videos as a hobby so often makes videos/presentations to help her revise- and we all love her for it because then we can watch them. So whatever it is, however weird, embrace it. And don't just stick to one technique because you'll get bored. Try to vary it so it keeps you interested, mix mind maps, flashcards, music and videos.

 

 

• Also, and I think this ones really important but sounds hard, stay motivated. I know that sounds really annoying and unrealistic. Because trust me, when I was sat revising about 12 different subjects (only about 6 that I properly liked), I was bored out of my mind. The only thing that got me through was motivation to reach my goals.

 I thought ahead to A levels and Uni and I knew that I just had to get my head down and work so I could do whatever I wanted afterwards. I have never wanted to be limited by my grades so that has always kept me motivated, but lots of other things could. My best friend said she only revises Chemistry a lot because she knows she'll never have to do it again- which I think is a pretty good way of thinking about it.

 

Another way I stay motivated is typing 'revision' or 'revision motivation' into tumblr before I start. Sounds weird, but it normally produces loads of pictures of either well organised notes or inspiring quotes which actually does help me get my head down and work.

 

Whatever your goal or method of motivating yourself is, keep reminding yourself of it when you're sitting there thinking 'what's the point.'

 

 

• My final tip for today is to stay organised and have loads of supplies and stationary that you love. Skip this if you have absolutely no interest in things like this, but I'm guessing if you're reading this, there's part of you that's organised and wants to do well.

For me, when I start revising I get out all my coloured pens and different notepads. I have my highlighters and folders all ready to go. It puts me in the right place to start revising and having all the colours cheers me up a bit.

 

If you're not bothered by any of that, simply having an uncluttered desk to work at really helps because it means there's nothing to distract you until you're break- so you can do some quality revision.

 

 

I hope some of these helped you out and good luck! Tell me about some of your revision tips in the comments, I'd love to hear them. Make sure to come back next Thursday for the next edition of Exam Survival. 

 

Thanks and keep reading...

Laura Stone x