Revising and studying for exams at home

Home working setup featuring a laptop, notepad and cup of coffee

During these times of remote working and studying at home, staff and students from the School of Anthropology and Conservation are presenting tips and advice on methods and resources that will help us with our productivity and wellbeing. Here, Rhea Bawa, studying on the BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation, offers some guidance on how to revise at home for your exams under lockdown conditions.

“As we have entered the exam period, everyone must be trying to revise to ensure they can successfully complete their exams and receive good grades.

“However, exams are stressful, especially during the conditions we are now all in facing the outbreak of COVID-19 and forced to remain in our homes. It has already been more than a month being stuck in this situation and there is clear ambiguity and uncertainty, not knowing when this will all come to an end.

“Therefore, while we are locked down in quarantine, it is important to ensure we are keeping a good balance between our work and other activities without becoming too stressed or distracted. While I work from home, there are several steps I follow and, if you like, you could do similar:

  1. Make sure you wake up fresh and, even though you may feel like sitting in your pyjamas all day, force yourself to take a shower and get dressed, even if you may not be going anywhere.
  2. Have a healthy breakfast because, as we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
  3. When you feel ready to begin revising, make a clear working space (I prefer the study or the dining table) and have all your resources with you (books, laptop, etc.) so you don’t have to keep interrupting your flow.
  4. Ensure your phone is kept away from you or put on silent to avoid unnecessary distractions.
  5. Remember to take regular breaks (perhaps every 45 minutes) so that you do not begin to feel overwhelmed or stressed. In this time, you could maybe listen to some music or talk to friends and family.
  6. Do not extend your break to more than 15 minutes as it will hard to get back into the flow, except when you stop for lunch of course.
  7. In the evening, you could maybe go for a run to give your body some exercise or do something that you enjoy.
  8. I study after my evening break, but it is always better to wait until after dinner if you feel you need to continue working..
  9. Unless you prefer working at night, try to close all your books an hour or two before sleeping to give yourself some free time and MAKE SURE you sleep for at least 8 hours because you will become more tired the next day and it will be difficult to retain focus.
  10. During this time, we can get carried away with work and forget to eat and hydrate ourselves. It is important to constantly have healthy meals and drink lots of water as this will energise you to study harder.

“These are the steps I follow: I hope they give you some insight into adapting to studying at home.

“Good luck for your exams!”

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