14 Study Hacks To Supercharge Your Revision Sessions

A man studying at a computer

Take control of exam stress and make the most of your revision sessions.

Whether you're getting a head start on your studying or cramming the night before the exam, these tips should help you out.

Change a font

study hacks
Times New Roman is the fastest font to read.

Get smelly

Spraying an unfamiliar (note: it doesn't have to be disgusting) scent will help keep you more alert and focused.

Form a study group

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Studying is easier and more fun with friends! Just don't get distracted...

Chew Gum

According to the British Psychological Society, in a study by Cardiff University published in the British Journal of Psychology, chewing gum can help you stay focused for longer.

Set important formula as your desktop or lock screen

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Struggling to remember particular facts or formula? Take a screen shot of them and set the picture as your laptop's desktop or screensaver picture, or your phone's lockscreen so you see it constantly.

Remove distractions

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Invest in a so-called kitchen safe (Amazon) and physically lock away your phone, tablet or anything else that might distract you until you're done. When it comes to digital distractions, use apps like SelfControl (for Mac) and ColdTurkey (for Windows) to stop you browsing Facebook and whatnot.

Use text to speech tools

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Put your notes through a text to speech tool (such as Google Translate) and have it read back to you.

Use YouTube

YouTube isn't just for funny cat videos. There are a whole host of cool channels for pretty much every topic imaginable. They can be a great way to learn away from the usual reading. You can also use them to revise as you walk to the exam.

Change your surroundings

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Any different environment helps but getting into the car and driving out into the country (obviously depends on where you live) removes you from anything that can cause you to procrastinate, especially if there's no mobile signal.

Make a custom cheat sheet

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Create a small cheat sheet with the formula or facts you're struggling to memorise and keep in your wallet or purse to look at regularly, including just before you head into the exam.

Speed up lecture recordings

Watch back recorded lectures, either video or audio, at faster speeds. VLC is a great free app to use.

Actually attend lectures

lecturesvia Flickr/University of Liverpool Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
Yes, you can probably get the slides online, but lectures provide a lot of extra information and notes, the ability to ask questions yourself and to hear answers to other people's queries that may enlighten your own work.

Rewards

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Take breaks

Yes. Revise by doing no revision! Taking breaks will help you de-stress and take in what you're reading when you are actually revising a lot better. Use an online app like Magic Work Cycle to split your time between work and play.

About the author: Thomas Brella

Thomas Brella is the founder of Student Hacks, starting the website in 2013 while studying at the University of Brighton to share tips and tricks on life as a cash-strapped student. He's now spent over 10 years scoping out the best ways to live on a budget

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