#examplan

AUDITORY 

Listen to podcasts 

Summarise key concepts, record them and play back the audio file 

Recite information out loud 

Teach it to family or friends 

Work in pairs and discuss material 

Meet people for a walk/coffee and discuss content 

Form a study group - compare notes - identify concepts that require clarification 

Work collaboratively - each 

Person write a possible exam question and swap within your group

VISUAL

Paraphrase content 

Write/revise summary sheets 

Draw diagrams/pictures 

Make flow charts 

Build mind maps 

Use index charts - question on one side, answer on the other 

Use visualisations 

Make memories 

Use post-it notes 

Use coloured paper, cards 

Highlight key concepts 

Blu tack notes around the house 

TACTILE

Use highlighters to emphasise/colour code important content 

Write detailed notes 

Paraphrase - use your own words 

Type up revision notes 

Doodle or draw while reading 

Walk around or stand up while reading notes 

Redo or clarify difficult concepts

Do past exams 

Draw and label diagrams 

Make a glossary of terms

OTHERS

Organise your study area 

Listen to spotify’s intense study playlist 

Study in the library - in the quietzone 

Write down your study goals for each session and tick them off 

Use the ‘focus now’ app on your phone 

Block social media by using the ‘stay focussed’ chrome extension 

Reward yourself after completing set tasks - take a 15min power walk 

Try out the ‘pomodoro’ study method (google it) 

Set a brief to do list or use the swipes app 

GET ACTIVE

Physical activity boosts endorphin levels and has been proven to beat stress.

Short bursts of activity between chunks of study will help you feel better, help you work longer and help you concentrate better. 

Find what works for you; the important thing is to take breaks between periods of mental exertion. 

Building activity into your day also helps you sleep better at night, which will also help you beat study stress. 

EAT WELL

Eating and drinking the right things before you get too hungry or thirsty helps keep your blood sugar and hydration levels balanced and stress levels under control. 

Fresh fruit and vegies, cereals, grains, nuts and proteins are good for your body, brain and blood sugar levels. 

Drink plenty of water. 

Avoid junk food, alcohol, drugs (except those prescribed by your doctor), sugary food, and too many high caffeine beverages. 

GET CONNECTED

Students who are well connected at uni tend to outperform those who are not! 

Keep in contact with family and friends, those who support your goals. 

Build social activities into your timetable so as you have a study/life balance. 

Social activities help you keep perspective, and are vital in minimising study stress. 

Combine social activity and study by setting up or joining a study group. 

STUDY SMARTER NOT HARDER

Planning is paramount towards minimising study stress. 

Use a semester planner, weekly planner and a daily planner to stay on track. 

Major tasks like preparing for exams are best broken down into small step-by-step chunks, spread over several days/weeks. 

Schedule in recreational and social activities, work and family commitments, and allow for plenty of 'down time.' 

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

There are many people on campus who are there to help you manage study stress. Lecturers, tutors, course coordinators and other

student support services

staff are there to assist. 

REST BEFORE YOU GET TIRED

Rest before you get too tired or run-down. 

If you are having trouble sleeping at night due to stress, try deep breathing, meditation, positive self-talk and/or exercise. 

Set yourself a bedtime routine that is just a bit earlier than usual, with activities beforehand to help you unwind: music, reading (but not study notes or books), massage, shower, a hobby you enjoy (but not something that is hard to stop once you get started – such as computer games, surfing the net or social media). 

KEEP PERSPECTIVE

Exceptional grades do not necessarily lead to career success or personal happiness. 

Remember that the best results don't always come from the most amount of effort, and what might seem most urgent is not always what is most important. 

Aim to be a 'good' student rather than a 'perfect' student (there is no such species).