7 Tips for Successful Revision

It’s coming up to exam time, and revision is high on the agenda for many students

Set up a revision area

Get into the revision zone. Set up a designated area where you can revise quietly and with minimal distractions. This may be the dining table, a desk in your office or room or even at your local library or school. A chosen space helps your brain get into the revision zone, signalling work time. Avoid watching TV or looking at your phone during revision to ensure you can completely focus without distractions or interruptions.

Plan ahead

The most important part of revision is creating a schedule to work to. Designate particular times or days of the week to each subject and mark into digestible portions so you don’t overload a certain day. Pin your schedule to a wall or pinboard for a visual reminder of what you need to do each day. Wall planners and stickers can also be helpful to visualise the amount of time you have and split it out accordingly.

Get organised

No revision session is complete without the right tools. Ensure you have a good stock of notepads and pens to allow you to take notes. We stock a range of great value notepads, from shorthand notebooks to refill pads and jotters. Note cards or flash cards can also be useful for revision, allowing you to jot down key points that you need to remember and refer back to them quickly.

We all have our favourite writing pen, (be it ballpoint, rollerball or fountain) so ensure it’s one that allows you to make notes comfortably.

Highlight and mark

Once you’ve made all your notes, read through them again and highlight the most relevant sections to help you remember. Many students find it useful to write key points on vibrant Post-it notes and stick around the home. For textbooks, you can highlight relevant sections or pages with colourful removable page markers to locate the parts you need quickly.

File your notes

Keep all your notes organised with a lever arch file or range of ring binders. You can separate your subjects with a range of colourful dividers so you can easily locate the sections you need to refer to.

Put the kettle on

Every 30 -45 minutes, take a short break. This might be just a stretch, walking around the house, making a cuppa or treating yourself to a snack. Remember to exercise daily too; even if it’s just a walk around the block. Taking regular breaks ensures your brain retains information and doesn’t become tired and overloaded. Try and get an early night too. Your brain needs sleep to help digest and absorb the information read throughout the day.

Try revising with a partner

If you’re finding a particular topic a struggle, then why not ask a friend to help? Talking over a topic and testing each other’s knowledge is a great way to retain information and learn something new. Often revising this way doesn’t feel too intense and can be more fun!

How we can help

If you require supplies to help you revise successfully, then we have everything you need online to help. Get in touch or search our website for our range of stationery supplies.