Hi, it’s Alex, your Education Officer at the Guild. Ahead of this Winter’s assessment season, I have put together a few study tips that helped me throughout my studies.
Hi, it’s Alex, your Education Officer at the Guild. Ahead of this Winter’s assessment season, I have put together a few study tips that helped me throughout my studies. So, here they are:
Get started early.
Whether it is revision or writing an essay, the earlier you start preparing the easier it can be for you. Giving yourself plenty of time means you can spread your work over a couple of weeks (or days) rather than cram into a few short hours at the last minute. Some of the advantages to this approach are that you can adapt to any issues that might crop up whilst studying and you can take more breaks throughout (which is just as important as anything else).
Ask for help.
It is worth remembering that the University of Birmingham is a fantastic university; your lecturers and tutors really do know their stuff. If you need any hints or clarification around your assignments or revision, you can go to office hours or drop an academic an email – they will be happy to help. Speaking from experience, I have always produced my best work when I have sought help from my lecturers, so it can really improve your grades! If you want to find an academic’s contact details, check through the staff search. Additionally, the Library’s Academic Skills Centre (ASC) has a range of resources as well as workshops and 1-2-1 sessions that can help you improve your academic performance.
Set some goals.
Having clear daily study goals can help you to focus as well as reward yourself when studying or writing an assignment. If you set a realistic goal each day, you can be confident that the amount of work you are doing is just right, without worrying there is too much to cover; it makes assessment season all the less daunting. Equally at the end of the day, if you have hit your word count for the day you can more easily switch off knowing today’s task is complete. I would always set myself the aim of writing 500 words per day, which meant the challenge of writing a 3,000-word essay could be managed in about a week with plenty of time to check over at the end.
Take some breaks!
It might seem less productive to spend study time going for a walk (or scrolling TikTok), but a break every now and again will keep you focused. Some scientists even found that taking short breaks between study sessions can, in fact, help you learn better and be more productive. But, besides simply helping you work hard, taking breaks will ensure you can get good sleep and eat some food. Remember: you have got to take care of yourself otherwise there is no point in studying hard.
Reward yourself.
Whether it is a sweet treat, a night out, or – in my former housemate’s case – a game of Fortnite, rewarding yourself for the work you have put in revising for exams or writing an essay is an important way of keeping yourself motivated throughout the day and at the end of it. Having a reward at the end of a study session can give you something to be focused on and to enjoy in celebration of the work you have completed. And, if you follow these tips by planning ahead, seeking help, setting daily goals and taking regular breaks, you’ll get the best reward of all: the grade you have worked so hard for!
I hope you will find some of these tips helpful and, of course, good luck for your assessments. Additionally, if you require welfare support at any point, you can get in touch with your School’s wellbeing team.