Truly, January is the cruelest month. The fog and cold are rolling in, frost threatens, it's the longest time until Christmas and, worst of all, January exams are upon us.
Luckily the Library can be a warm, quiet haven for productive study. If you know how to make the most of it. Take a look at our handy study tips to make the most of your precious time:
1) Location, location, location - Find a warm, comfortable place to study with plenty of light and mimimal background noise. (*hint* the Library *hint*)
2) Try writing out notes and leaving these around the house in places you will see them. The act of writing something out forges a strong mental link, and seeing it repeatedly will ensure you don't forget in a hurry.
3) Anticipate what kinds of questions you are likely to be asked, and produce lists of points you would use to answer them.
4) PRACTICE! It makes perfect, don'tcha know. There's nothing worse than sitting in an exam and being caught short of time or panicking because you're not used to working under exam conditions.
5) Keep alert by switching revision techniques. Try including memorising, note-taking, reading and testing a friend, all in one session. Each method engages a different part of your brain and will stop you getting bored so quickly.
6) Look after yourself. All too easily revision can become a competition - who stayed up latest, who worked longest, who's worrying the most. You become less efficient when tired, and even less when ill. Be sure to keep reasonable working hours and take microbreaks throughout the day.
7) The Revision Plan. Draw up a list of your exams and subject matter you will need to cover. Then work out how much time you think you will need to dedicate to each topic and write it up on a calendar. Don't forget to schedule in time for your regular commitments, breaks and your exams themselves.
Remember, the key to effective revision is deciding what strategies work for you and being ruthlessly (self) motivated.
Note: until January exams are over the Library will be, first and foremost, a place for silent study. When you come in, please keep the noise to a minimum to allow other students to work efficiently.