Master's or Bust

I know there are thousands of posts on revision and study but here’s one specifically on how to actually begin studying for that super sweet anon :)

Remove all distractions

This is my number 1 tip which is get rid of anything that will distract you such as your phone, laptop, music or a book. Even if you start revising you will always feel tempted to go back and check your Instagram or watch 1 more episode of your favourite show. So get rid of it all! I usually try to put it in a different room to the one I’m in so that I won’t be tempted to get up and pick up my phone for example. If you don’t need your internet then turn it off or download an app such as SelfControl, Cold Turkey or if you have an IOS device Forest is great :)

Tidy up your work space

Having an organised work space not only clears up all the clutter and mess around your desk (even if you say you know exactly where everything is) but it also clears your mind. Even if you can’t invest in a ton of things to organise your desk there are tons of easy think you can make/do to get everything in the right place. Clean workspace = clear mind which means you are ready to work!

 Mentally prepare yourself 

Tell yourself you will study. Tell a parent of friend exactly what you are going to do and that way you are much more likely to actually get started. Make a mental plan of what you are going to do and stick to it! Run through each step you are going to take in your head and visualise your study, that way when you start you know exactly what you are going to be doing. 

Plan your study 

Even before studying make sure you make a plan of what you will study at what time you will do it. Don’t only plan what subject you’ll be doing but instead write exactly what you will be studying e.g. Chemistry - go over periodic table - learn first 30 elements by making a song. That way when you look over at your plan you see exactly what subject you are doing and then what you are doing so that way you won’t waste any time just sitting there staring at your textbook and not actually revising anything. 

Plan specific time intervals and schedule breaks 

Even if it sounds good in theory, revising for 3 hours straight is not a good idea. Not only is it very inefficient but it is absolutely mentally exhausting. Your brain will not be able to retain as much information as it could if you revised for short periods and took small breaks. What I like to do is revise for around 40 minutes and take very short 5 minute breaks just to refresh my mind. Although during these breaks make sure you plan out what you will do such as maybe a short walk, some yoga or maybe even playing with a pet. Make sure you don’t go back to things that distract you so that you can easily get back on track :)

It’s essay writing season for tons of students!

After being a college writing tutor for over a year, I thought I would share my advice with all you awesome people on tumblr. This is how I write essays, but if you’ve got more tips, feel free to add them below.