How do you plan your revision?

As revision is in full swing now, how do you all plan out your revision? :beard:

Do you create a long term timetable, take it day-by-day or something else entirely?

I would really love to hear how you all plan it out and if you've been through a few different approaches, it would be cool to hear your experiences!

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

I attempted to make a revision timetable in the same style i did at GCSE for my year 12 mocks coming up but i gave up on it quite quickly because i only do 2 subjects so i just plan day to day. Ive been using the GROW method which really helps identify weaker topics to work on which is useful!
At GCSE I always used the same method which was to do 1-3 subjects per day for around 2 hours total (at least 30 mins per subject). In year 10 i did 1 science, 1 essay subject and one of maths or Spanish each day. In year 11 i did 1 science, 1 additional maths and 1 essay subject generally but i cut down to 2 subjects during term time and did them for longer.

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by brainzistheword

As revision is in full swing now, how do you all plan out your revision? :beard:

Do you create a long term timetable, take it day-by-day or something else entirely?
I would really love to hear how you all plan it out and if you've been through a few different approaches, it would be cool to hear your experiences!

Hey there 😃

I can't dive into anything without a long-term plan 😅 It keeps me motivated and takes the edge off the time pressure. Plus, it lets me enjoy my breaks without any guilt! So for me, the plan always comes first. I start by skimming through the material, figuring out the best revision strategy, and then break it down into smaller, manageable daily study sessions. I schedule everything up until the exam or assignment dates. This has honestly been a game-changer for tackling stress, burnout, and keeping my motivation high 🙌

I hope it will be helpful 💪

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 3

brainzistheword

Original post

by DerDracologe

Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂

I've never heard of the GROW method before (or at least, I don't think I have). Would you be able to expand on what that's all about?

Reply 4

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by brainzistheword

Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I've never heard of the GROW method before (or at least, I don't think I have). Would you be able to expand on what that's all about?

You have a grid with each lesson/topic and then you write the date in a box on the table when you review the topic and use RAG rating for your confidence level. It means you dont miss off topics and you know which you haven’t reviewed in a while and which are weaker.

Reply 5

LancashireRep5

Official Rep

Original post

by brainzistheword

As revision is in full swing now, how do you all plan out your revision? :beard:

Do you create a long term timetable, take it day-by-day or something else entirely?
I would really love to hear how you all plan it out and if you've been through a few different approaches, it would be cool to hear your experiences!

Hey there 👋

My name is Siobhan and I’m a third year physio student at the University of Central Lancashire. This is a great question!!

I personally like to make a checklist with all the topics I need to cover and colour co-ordinate these to the different modules I have.

Then I make a monthly calendar and put different colours of the modules into the days I plan to do revision. Therefore, I know what to expect on that day and then can choose a topic in that field to tick off the list

I also like to set days with nothing in it so if anything comes up and I can’t revise on that day, then I can catch up on that ‘empty’ day and don’t fall behind on schedule! 🙂

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions

Siobhan (Student Ambassador for University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 6

brainzistheword

Original post

by DerDracologe

Ah thanks! I think I've done something similar to this in the past - just never realised it had a name.

Reply 7

brainzistheword

Original post

by UCLan_Siobhan

Hey there 👋
My name is Siobhan and I’m a third year physio student at the University of Central Lancashire. This is a great question!!
I personally like to make a checklist with all the topics I need to cover and colour co-ordinate these to the different modules I have.
Then I make a monthly calendar and put different colours of the modules into the days I plan to do revision. Therefore, I know what to expect on that day and then can choose a topic in that field to tick off the list
I also like to set days with nothing in it so if anything comes up and I can’t revise on that day, then I can catch up on that ‘empty’ day and don’t fall behind on schedule! 🙂
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions
Siobhan (Student Ambassador for University of Central Lancashire)

Hey! Thanks for these.

I like the idea of setting 'empty' days. I definitely need to get better at setting aside time for fun stuff and not feel guilty about it 🙂

Reply 8

brainzistheword

Original post

by De Montfort University

Hey there 😃
I can't dive into anything without a long-term plan 😅 It keeps me motivated and takes the edge off the time pressure. Plus, it lets me enjoy my breaks without any guilt! So for me, the plan always comes first. I start by skimming through the material, figuring out the best revision strategy, and then break it down into smaller, manageable daily study sessions. I schedule everything up until the exam or assignment dates. This has honestly been a game-changer for tackling stress, burnout, and keeping my motivation high 🙌
I hope it will be helpful 💪
Take care,
Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Hey, thanks Julia! 🙂

I like the way you structure your revision. Do you find that you can usually stick to what you've planned, or does it end up changing?

Reply 9

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by brainzistheword

Hey, thanks Julia! 🙂
I like the way you structure your revision. Do you find that you can usually stick to what you've planned, or does it end up changing?

Hey 😃

Thanks for your reply!

When I first started planning my study time in a structured way, it definitely wasn’t easy — I didn’t have the planning skills, and honestly, I underestimated how much I could get done in a day. But the more I practiced, the better I became! Over time, I learned how to be more realistic with my plans and started planning around everything in my life, including leisure, social plans, and other responsibilities. Now, creating a balanced plan that I can actually stick to feels second nature! ✨

For anyone just getting started — be kind to yourself and try to plan realistically, even adding a little buffer time. That way, if you finish early (which often happens!), you’ll feel accomplished and have some bonus free time. It’s so much better than overloading yourself and ending up stressed or burnt out repeatedly. Small, smart steps really do go a long way! 🕒

I hope it will be helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University