Planning

• Prepare a study plan and make sure it's balanced with other important things in your life - that way it will be easier to stick to.
• Talk to employers early to let them know you need to limit your shifts/ hours while studying.
• Create a study space that is comfortable, organised and has no distractions nearby, such as TV, phone, people talking etc.
• Make sure you have everything you need for each study session as this helps to feel more confident and organised.

 

Look after yourself

• Self-care is especially important when you have a big demand in your life - that way you have the energy to commit to what you need to accomplish.
• Build activities you enjoy and that bring your stress levels down into your study plan, such as sport, spending time with friends, internet etc.
• Don't get hungry before or while studying, and think of grabbing nutritional snacks that keep you going, such as fruit/nuts/dairy etc.
• Rest when you need to. What times of day do you have the most energy and study then.
• Don't study more than 40-60 mins without a short break. Even a 5 min break will help. A glass of water helps too!
• When you have a break do something physical or fun, such as go for a short run or play with a pet.
• Remember to get some exercise every day as this helps you to keep focused and energetic.
• Have other issues in your life tied up if possible and don't put pressure on your relationships; you don't need this extra worry right now.
• Relaxation is important, especially before bed, and to slow the brain activity down. Try some slow, deep breathing, a shower or a bath, herbal tea etc.
• If you're having trouble sleeping google "sleep hygiene tips" for some ideas that may help you to get some good sleep.
• Say "no" to parties during the weeks close to the exams. This will help to keep you refreshed and energised.

 

Stay focussed

• Try to keep a focus on your health and wellbeing by not using things like drugs or alcohol; they can make it much harder to study.
• Stay at school until your last day so you don't miss any important info about exams, or fun events with your colleagues.
• Practice writing essays and show your teachers for feedback for improvement.

 

Ask for help

• Ask teachers the best way to study for each subject; they have many years experience they can share with you.
• Some teachers are happy to be contacted during the time leading up to the exams. Find out which ones you can contact and make use of this if you need to.
• If you have trouble approaching your own teacher for advice talk to one of the other ones who teach the same subject.
• Group study sessions with classmates can be a helpful and entertaining way of studying, but keep your focus on what you want to achieve with these sessions.
• Talk about what you are studying with family members and friends as this helps to retain the info more, especially names and dates etc.
• Ask friends what they are doing that is helping with their study or friends who did it last year.

 

Be prepared

• Read/ write everything 3 times as this also helps to commit the info to memory.
• Use your trial exam results to hone in on what you need to work on more.
• Use previous exam papers to get a feel for what to expect.
• You need to study within 24 hours of the exam on that subject to retain more info.
• Write things in coloured texta that you have trouble remembering (such as names and dates) and blu-tak to your toilet wall/door. Sounds funny but it really works!
• Get to the exam half an hour early to talk with teachers (they are often there for encouragement) and to go over your notes one more time. You'll be surprised how much this helps! Have something healthy to eat & H2O.

 

And finally…

• If the stress is getting to you, it will prevent you from studying effectively and confidently so ask for help and talk to someone who cares!