Blog | Our 7 top tips for exam preparation | News

April 2025

Blog | Our 7 top tips for exam preparation

By Sean Madden

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Read time: approx 5 mins

Exams just around the corner? Feeling anxious, or like you’re not sure how to prepare?

Don’t worry! Our top tips will help you navigate this stressful time and pass with flying colours.

1. Find your space

Get the basics right early on. Make sure you have enough space for your materials, all the necessary equipment, and a comfortable chair!

Once that’s sorted, think about how you work best. Some people prefer to study alone in a quiet room, some like to work with friends, while listening to music, or in a café with background noise. There’s no right or wrong way to revise – just find time to discover which one works for you.

2. Figure out your revision strategy early: plan, don't cram!

Working out how to manage your time when you have several exams to prepare for can be overwhelming, and procrastination can be really tempting. Start early and create a realistic revision timetable, prioritising the earliest exams. Making sure this is sorted early lets you allow for any unexpected setbacks or rest days.

Try to break your work into manageable pieces, tackling a small piece each day, mixing up subjects as you go. You might want to use flash cards or mind maps, or try explaining things to someone else as this can help clarify them in your own mind. These are some of the best ways to revise and retain information effectively.

3. Try to stay mentally and physically healthy – that includes food, too!

It can be tempting to do away with down time and devote all your time to study, but it’s important to make time for treats and reward yourself for hard work.

Taking care of your mental health is essential. Use your spare time to catch up with friends, watch a film or listen to music, or even have a long bath!

Feeling restless? Exercise is a great way to refresh and re-energise, and helps you to sleep better and combat stress. When you’re not revising, why not play a sport, go for a walk, or do some stretching?

Don’t forget that your food is just as important. Try and eat brain foods rich in omega-3s, complex carbs like whole grains, or foods with antioxidants, like berries, stay hydrated by drinking water, and try to limit your sugar and caffeine intake to avoid crashing. Proper nutrition can also help you stay alert and improve your ability to focus while studying, making it easier to retain information and concentrate for longer periods.

4. Take breaks

On a related topic, regular breaks are also essential for keeping you mentally and physically healthy during revision. Studying for hours and hours will only make you tired and ruin your concentration, which may make you even more anxious.

Try using the Pomodoro Technique, which factors in 25 minutes study followed by a 5-minute break, with a 30-minute break after four cycles. You can use this time to grab a drink or a snack, go for a walk, or otherwise take your mind off work for a while. Everyone has a unique study technique, so experiment and find what enhances your concentration.

5. Remember, nerves are natural

Try to minimise stress by getting everything you’ll need ready the night before your exam. Whether this includes pens, calculators, water bottles or tissues, it’s just one less stress for the day of the exam.

If you feel nervous when you arrive, breathing exercises can be really help you stay calmer and more confident. Try breathing in through your nose for 4 counts, holding it for 2 and out again for 7.

Just remember almost everyone will feel nervous or overwhelmed before an exam, so you definitely won’t be alone!

6. Ask for help if needed

Whether a family member, a friend, or a teacher, it’s important that you’re able to confide in someone you trust if you’re feeling stressed.

Remember, the University’s support services are also available to you if needed, and you can get in touch and ask to speak with a counsellor at any time. Exams are tough to deal with, so don’t let the stress build up, or feel embarrassed to ask for support.

Once you’re in the exam hall, the supervisors are there to help you – don’t hesitate to ask them if you have any questions or concerns.

7. When your exam is finished, do something fun – relax and try to forget about it!

We hope this blog has been useful. For more study tips and expert guidance, explore our award-winning Support Services

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