Exams are only a month away for many students in South Africa. These examinations may determine whether or not you are admitted into the institution of your choosing, or they may be your first exams at the university level; you must be exam ready.
Exam stress can transform even the most organized and prepared student into a bundle of anxiety, regardless of their position. Here are some study and preparation suggestions to ensure you pass your tests with flying colors and are exam-ready!
1. Organize Your Study Space
Before embarking on your study, ensure everything around you is organized. You will need adequate space for your notes, textbooks, and possibly a computer. The room you are studying in should also have enough lighting, and your chair should be comfortable to prevent you from experiencing back pain from long hours of sitting.
When preparing for an exam, you need to feel comfortable and avoid distractions to concentrate more on studying. Therefore, arrange your notes and write summaries as you go through each chapter of your textbook.
2. Remain Healthy During Study and Exam Time
The body of a human being can always complete tasks more successfully if it gets a healthy diet and enough sleep. Most students tend to survive on junk food when studying, and this is not a good idea. It is also ideal to exercise regularly when studying. You can take a brisk walk or participate in vigorous exercise to move your blood, hence promoting concentration.
3. Use Diagrams and Flowcharts
When preparing for an exam, visual aid can help you remember. Therefore, when studying, make notes of everything about a particular topic and when the exams get near, convert them into a one-page diagram. Recording your thoughts in such a format makes it easier to remember everything while in the exam room.
4. Meet Up with Friends for Study Sessions
Organizing study groups is one of the most crucial study tips for university students. It helps you acquire answers to most of your questions and gather vast knowledge on your study topic. However, during group discussions, you need to avoid wasting time and focus on the learning benefit of such sessions. Additionally, you can also study with your fellow students to challenge yourself and keep you focused on your goal.
5. Adopt Various Revision Techniques
While studying, you need to avoid doing the same thing repeatedly, such as reading over your notes which can turn out to be dull. You can spice up your revision by trying the following exercises and techniques:
- Doing practice papers and questions to test your level of understanding. Most tutors would gladly mark them for you.
- Draw summary diagrams to help test how much you can remember.
Conclusion
The above are some of the most effective ways of preparing and dealing with exam stress. If you feel overwhelmed or confused about what to study, you can consult your lecturers or fellow students. Consultation and group discussions are some of the healthiest ways to manage exam stress.