As we approach exam season and deadlines for final assignments draw closer, this time of year can feel a bit overwhelming – but you’ve got this.

A few small changes to how you study can make a big difference and help you feel more in control. Check out these study tips from our Student Learning Services Team.

Final assignments

Make a checklist

WhWhen you’ve got multiple assignments on the go, it can be tough to remember all the things you need to do. Instead of clicking in and out of Canvas, try pulling everything together into one checklist document.

This could include:

• Key points/targets from your assignment brief
• Learning outcomes and rubrics
• Notes or ideas that resonated with you during lectures

Make it make sense for your brain – whether that’s bullet points, colour coding, or a big messy mind map. The point is to give yourself a single, clear reference to come back to, so you’re not constantly second guessing what’s expected.

Use your feedback

If you’ve handed in assignments this year, chances are you’ve already had some feedback. Take the time to read over it – there will be some really useful insights in there.

Pick two or three pieces of constructive feedback, turn these into to-dos and add them to your assignment checklist. For example, if you were told to “develop your analysis,” you might set yourself a note to add more critical commentary to your next essay.

Exams

Try active recall

When it comes to revision, one of the most effective techniques is active recall. Instead of just reading and highlighting, you actually test yourself on what you’re learning.

That could mean:

• Quizzing yourself (or asking a friend to quiz you)
• Explaining a concept out loud, without notes
• Writing a short answer or mini essay from memory

It feels harder than passive reading because it is – but that’s why it works. Struggling to remember something helps your brain strengthen those connections. If you make mistakes, that’s totally fine – they will actually help the information stick.

Use regular, spaced practice

You’ve probably heard it before, but cramming isn’t great. Not only is it stressful, but the information often doesn’t stick.

Instead, try spaced practice. This means revising little and often on the lead up to your exam rather than doing one big study session the day before. Plan ahead by:

• Breaking revision into manageable sessions
• Picking one topic and one method per session (e.g. “flashcards on cell division” or “mock essay on immigration policy”)
• Using memory tricks like visual aids, key phrases or even the ‘memory palace’ method

We hope you find these tips helpful. Don’t forget, you’ve made it this far and you’ve got what it takes to make it to the finish line.