How to revise at uni: tips and methods for studying effectively

Struggling to revise? Well, reading this guide is the most productive way of procrastinating.

We know you want to get better at revision, pass your exams and go on to have a successful career. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t! Here are some study tips and methods to perfect your university revision process.

Setting a routine doesn’t mean you’ve got to wake up early every day and spend every minute revising. If you don’t want to get up until 10am, you don’t have to. The crucial part is to draw up a realistic revision timetable that you’re happy with. If you work well for long bursts, do that. If you only concentrate for 20 minutes at a time, play to your strengths.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” is a cliché, but it’s true. It ties into having a schedule, but it’s also about checking you’ve got everything you need. So, if you’re revising at home, make sure any library reference books are on hand. Realising you’ll need to head onto campus mid-revision is a frustrating disruption.

While it’s possible to revise in your pyjamas, it’s not the best idea. Before you start, get dressed as if you’re going outside. Getting dressed will get you into the mindset of someone who’s ready for a full day of learning.

It’s hard to be productive while surrounded by clutter, so take the time to clear your desk before you start. If you don’t have a quiet space at home, head to your university campus. The library is a great place to work without the usual revision distractions – TV, noisy neighbours, friends, your pet dog, etc.

Does sitting in front of a textbook or your course notes feel like staring at a brick wall? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. The good news is that there are far more engaging ways to revise. Use colours, shapes, tables, diagrams and drawings – whatever helps you remember things best. Break the mould. You’ll thank yourself later.

We all learn in different ways. Productive revision is about finding a pattern that works for you. If you feel you’re making some serious headway and don’t want to pause, don’t. But equally, don’t overdo it. We all need a break so factor them into your schedule. You’ll burn out if you don’t stop at some point.

For trickier subjects, work at a steady pace with enough breaks to keep your mind refreshed but not too many that you get distracted for several hours online. However you approach your revision, build in appropriate rest time.

Hear us out: exercise is a great way of breaking up your revision while giving your body and mind a boost. Getting moving helps blood circulation and oxygen to the brain, reducing tiredness and stress.

Even if you don’t fancy breaking a sweat mid-session, try going for a jog before you start and being physically active on your day off from studying.

No matter what subject you’re tackling, making summary notes will help. A good way to test your ability to retain information is through taking notes and then quizzing yourself.

Study buddies, parents, friends – help is at hand if you need it. Asking someone to test you on the essentials or to study with you is a great way of keeping the revision process fresh. Maybe you’re feeling competitive; if so, study with a coursemate to spur each other on. Working with others helps you revise without it feeling like so much of a chore.

Remember to eat well during the revision process. Wholegrain foods, blueberries, oily fish and nuts are examples of ‘brain foods’. More importantly, eat something you enjoy that will keep you as focused as possible. While the combination of an energy drink and crisps is tempting, it won’t do you any favours. Avoid foods that will cause your energy levels to crash later.

The reality is that it’s just a test, like every other test you’ve taken through your educational experience so far. You succeeded before, so there’s no reason you can’t do it again. Staying positive will help you relax and do your best work.

Of course, you want to ace your exams but it’s also not the end of the world if you don’t. Remember that many people have struggled and still have successful careers. So, even if your revision and exam don’t go to plan, keep positive.

While you don’t have to follow all our tips, hopefully, you’ll find some pointers to help you crack on with your revision. Ultimately, revision is a personal process, so find whichever method works for you and stick with it. If you put the time and effort in, everything else should fall into place. Good luck!