REVISION - HINTS & TIPS

Draw up a realistic timetable by working out a weekly and daily study routine. Don't worry if you have to change and update your plans.

Set definite revision times; sticking to the start and end times will help get you started and keep you focused.

Decide on goals for each session, which you can realistically achieve. Try beginning with a topic you find difficult and ending with an easier one.

Take regular breaks to maintain concentration; five minutes per half-hour can work well.

Read through and summarise your notes, adding more examples and references from other sources. Make connections between topics.

If you have a good visual memory ? make the materials distinctive and memorable by using colours, shapes, graphics and diagrams. If you have a good auditory memory, record information onto audio tape.

Practise writing essay plans from memory and check them against your notes. Practise writing timed essays or long answers to get the hang of the timing.

Check your exam timing; how many pages you can write in the time available? When should you be starting and completing each question on the paper?

Reward yourself to keep up some motivation ? whether it's for sticking to schedule, cracking a hard topic or just making progress.

HEALTH - HINTS & TIPS

Eat healthily and regularly and avoid sugary food; the nutrients will benefit your brain and you'll feel better for it.

Avoid too much caffeine, whether in coffee, tea, fizzy drinks or tablets; caffeine will 'hype' you, make your thinking less clear and wreck your sleep.

Get enough sleep; at least six hours a night. To concentrate you need to be fully rested. Try to do something relaxing for at least an hour before trying to sleep.

Regular moderate exercise will boost your energy, clear your mind and reduce feelings of stress.

Try out some relaxation techniques (maybe even yoga or tai chi). They will help keep you feeling calm and balanced, improve your concentration levels and help you sleep better. Here are some simple techniques to relax your mind and body. They should take only five to ten minutes:

• Have a good stretch and breathe deeply. Then let your shoulders and arms relax into a comfortable position. Shrugging, wriggling and shaking all help your muscles to stop tensing and relax.
• Sit down or lie down. Ease off the tension in your feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, chest, arms and neck.
• If you are sitting in a chair, or on the floor, allow yourself to feel as if the chair or the floor is supporting your whole weight, feel yourself letting go.
• Try to be peaceful, loosen your jaw and face. A blank expression will help your face muscles to relax.

WHO TO ASK FOR HELP, ADVICE & SUPPORT

If you find yourself struggling to cope, getting stressed out, need more time, have extenuating circumstances or just need to talk to someone, have a look at who to ask for help for contact details and more information about the support services within your Students' Union and the University who are here to provide you with information, advice and support throughout your time at Reading University.  Come and see us!

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS 

• 16 April - A whole day of Exam Preparation workshops including; Planning your revision; Memory and revision strategies; Answering exam questions; Exam anxiety (Carrington Building, Room 201 - see www.reading.ac.uk/studyskills for times of each workshop and sign up on the day)
• 4 June - Planning and writing your dissertation (Palmer Building, Room 1.05)

Form more information about these workshops, you can visit www.reading.ac.uk/studyskills or contact the Study Advice team on 0118 3784242 or email studyadvice@reading.ac.uk