How to prepare for exams is a major challenge for many university students. Facing them with confidence and organisation can be the key to success in order to avoid the last-minute rush. Therefore, in this Unihabit blog you will find different techniques on how to prepare for exams and get the right academic performance.
Techniques on how to prepare for university exams
Preparing for exams takes time and dedication, so it is very important to know different techniques to help you pass them successfully and without stress.
Plan your time well
It is the most important factor for you to pass your exams. From the beginning of the course, you should organise and plan the time you will have to dedicate to each subject. Having a clear idea of how much time you will have to dedicate to each subject will help you to dedicate more time to those subjects that are more difficult for you.
To do this, it is important that you make a weekly calendar and that each day you dedicate the appropriate amount of time to each subject, whether it is to read a class article, review your notes, hand in an assignment, etc. If you prepare your syllabus throughout the term, you will avoid the last-minute rush to prepare for the exam.
Study in a suitable place and avoid distractions.
If as a university student you live in a hall of residence, it is likely that you will share a room or space with other students. Therefore, it is important that you keep in mind to separate fun times from times when you need to concentrate more. Stay away from noisy spaces, such as your bedroom or study rooms. You should also avoid distractions such as your mobile phone, TV or any other element in your environment.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Focusing on your studies is important, but a healthy lifestyle is essential to achieve a good pace in your studies and ensure success. Sleep, exercise and diet are also essential for exam preparation.
Both throughout the course and the night before an exam, it is very important to rest between 7 and 8 hours in order to perform better. The food you eat during your time at university is just as important as your rest, as it will provide you with the energy you need, such as carbohydrates and nuts and dried fruit.
On the other hand, maintaining an active lifestyle with physical exercise and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will help you not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. Distracting yourself from your classes and studies during the time you do sport will help you to clear your mind so that you can concentrate better later on.
Frequently asked questions: How to prepare for exams?
When preparing for exams, some questions may arise about how to organise yourself, how to study or even how to face the exam. Therefore, at Unihabit we answer some frequently asked questions about how to prepare for exams and we offer you recommendations on study techniques and tips so that you can apply them and face this stage with guaranteed success.
How to prepare for oral exams?
If you need to prepare for oral exams, it is important that you practise the different topics aloud to test your fluency and correct any mistakes. To prepare for this type of exam, you can also help a colleague or family member to simulate the exam.
You should also pay attention to your body language, maintaining a relaxed posture and keeping eye contact with your teacher.
What to do the day before the exam?
The day before the exam you should review the key points you have already studied without delving into new topics. Avoid studying until the last minute, relax and rest in order to have more energy during the exam.
What to do during the exam?
Above all, don’t rush – you have time! Read the questions and statements carefully so that you understand them correctly before answering each question. Organise your time so that you know how much time to spend on each question – try to leave a few minutes for revision! Start the exam by answering those questions that are easier or where you have more knowledge so that you can gain confidence and time with the questions that are more difficult for you.
With the different techniques we have provided you with, you will know how to prepare for the exams, guaranteeing your success with confidence.
