The holidays are just around the corner, and everyone is happily anticipating the long weekend. Some, however, have mixed feelings: for example, students are not only resting these days, but also preparing for the exam session. How to get in the mood for studying?
Studying for exams may not seem like the perfect fit for a festive season, but fear not. If you organise yourself well and start studying early, you can have a fantastic holiday. Follow these tips from Times Higher Education magazine and you’ll head into the new year feeling refreshed, alert and well prepared.
1. Planning
Write down all the most important dates and events that await you during the holidays to understand when there is time left for studying. This will help you not to feel deprived of the festivities. At the same time, it is also important to determine how much time you really need for studying and therefore decide how many events you can say “yes” to.
It is best not to plan long educational “marathons”: studying for 12 hours straight will be difficult. It is enough to organize several intervals for repeating the material for a couple of hours with breaks, then you will not feel squeezed.
Along with studying for exams, plan to work on essays or projects that are due after the holidays, or start working through your reading list. You’ll be glad you did when the new semester starts.
2. Study space
Create an environment around you that will make you feel most comfortable while studying. It should be a bright, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed while you’re studying. When preparing for exams, it’s best to avoid kitchens and living rooms: you’ll be surrounded by many temptations to get distracted. If there’s no other option but to use an occupied room, make sure that those around you know when you plan to study and won’t disturb you.
You can go to the library or a cafe: a change of scenery can sometimes have a beneficial effect on productivity.
3. Find time to relax
The whole point of studying is to make your life easier during the session. Make sure you spend enough time enjoying the festivities. If your family is having a great time in the living room while you study, allow yourself to relax a bit. Take some time off from work and rearrange your study plan so you can catch up later. The main thing is to make sure you get everything done on time and don’t go to bed until the early hours of the morning to do so.
4. Keep it simple
Don’t feel guilty about having a good time, and don’t try to force yourself to study 10 hours a day. The New Year holidays are a great opportunity to recharge your batteries. You really need this free time – to spend with family, meet with friends, and just indulge in everyday joys.
