Exam term is upon us and we wanted to share with you some revision, exam-taking, and wellbeing tips to help you survive the season! While not exhaustive, this blog covers advice from Psychology alumni, staff, and current students!
Revision:
1. So commonly overlooked, but keep a clear note on when and where the exam is, as well as its exam formats. You don’t want all that revision to go to waste!
2. Work the way that works for you: whether it’s typed notes on google docs, handwritten revision cards, mind-maps; anything works!
3. Along with lecture notes, try to do some additional research to score higher- finding research that can answer multiple possible questions from a topic would be helpful.
4. Make sure you know the key citations for super fundamental studies.
5. Try to come up with possible questions exams could ask and prepare outlines for those.
6. Go through the past papers given by your module convenors to test your knowledge and time management!
7. Need any more advice or clarification? Your academic advisors, module convenors, and lecturers are there to help you.
Exam-taking:
1. Have a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast prior to the exam.
2. Review your key notes and areas before the exam itself. You can also relax and unwind to calm you down before the exam, if you prefer!
3. During the exam, read the question properly and fully comprehend what it wants you to do. Does it want you to “Discuss” or “Evaluate”? What are the key terms there?
4. Make sure you are critically evaluating evidence! This is a must in all Psychology exams.
5. Make sure you’re looking at the time and pacing yourself correctly! Leave some time before the end of the exam to go over your work.
6. Upon submission, ensure all details are correct (module code, exam number, etc.) and name the file according to instructions.
7. SUBMIT THE CORRECT FILE! With exams being online, this is imperative!
Wellbeing tips:
1. You can’t fill from an empty cup: taking breaks is important when revising. Breaks are important to ensure that you are learning effectively.
2. Time block certain durations/hours of the day to revise. This allows you to still have time to do other things that make you happy 🙂
3. If you have trouble focusing, you can try the Pomodoro technique (there’s many timers online), or other similar attention techniques.
4. Try to move your body once a day! Whether it’s a nice walk, a dance class, a workout; all movement is good movement.
5. Continue to pursue your hobbies to destress, and continue to make plans to socialise with your friends!
6. Make sure you are staying hydrated and eating nutritiously- eating well is not only important for your general health and brain health, but helps you feel a lot better overall.
7. If you are struggling with your wellbeing during this exam season, contact Kent’s Student Support & Wellbeing services who have lots of resources.