The Student Room Group

Study help

I just finished yr 12 and I'm doing maths, physics and 3D design with a AS in further maths starting in yr 13. I need help to study quicker, I'm so tired and starting to burn out but I feel as though I keep forgetting things, especially in physics. I would like A*s but I'm only at As so far. Does anyone have any tips for how I could manage my time better and revise more effectively.

Reply 1

Original post
by Spaghettilegs
I just finished yr 12 and I'm doing maths, physics and 3D design with a AS in further maths starting in yr 13. I need help to study quicker, I'm so tired and starting to burn out but I feel as though I keep forgetting things, especially in physics. I would like A*s but I'm only at As so far. Does anyone have any tips for how I could manage my time better and revise more effectively.

You need to figure out how you learn and study best, I did physics at uni and it took me years to realise this. Studying isn't the same for everyone, some people read something and they remember, some people write it out and remember, some it's listening, talking or explaining it to someone, some it's a mind map, once you figure out what way of studying works for you then you can focus on doing that, rather than trying to do things that don't work well for you.

Reply 2

Original post
by Spaghettilegs
I just finished yr 12 and I'm doing maths, physics and 3D design with a AS in further maths starting in yr 13. I need help to study quicker, I'm so tired and starting to burn out but I feel as though I keep forgetting things, especially in physics. I would like A*s but I'm only at As so far. Does anyone have any tips for how I could manage my time better and revise more effectively.


Hit up papers and PMTs and identify knowledge gaps as well as gaps in critical thinking which may inhibit you from answering questions where you know the answer but cannot transcribe it correctly. Use flashcards for difficult topics and flag decks which you want to go over right before exams (like literally 5 minutes before). Cos sometimes there’s that one h thing that seems to always escape your mind.

Reply 3

Original post
by Spaghettilegs
I just finished yr 12 and I'm doing maths, physics and 3D design with a AS in further maths starting in yr 13. I need help to study quicker, I'm so tired and starting to burn out but I feel as though I keep forgetting things, especially in physics. I would like A*s but I'm only at As so far. Does anyone have any tips for how I could manage my time better and revise more effectively.

Hi @Spaghettilegs

Some great responses already! Thought I would just add a few posts I have previously done that you may find useful or might give you some ideas.

Revision Techniques That Helped Me - The Student Room
Tips on deadlines, motivation and time management - The Student Room

I hope this helps and good luck :smile:
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 4

Original post
by Faizannnnnnnn
Hit up papers and PMTs and identify knowledge gaps as well as gaps in critical thinking which may inhibit you from answering questions where you know the answer but cannot transcribe it correctly. Use flashcards for difficult topics and flag decks which you want to go over right before exams (like literally 5 minutes before). Cos sometimes there’s that one h thing that seems to always escape your mind.

Thank you. But what are flag Decks?

Reply 5

Original post
by Spaghettilegs
Thank you. But what are flag Decks?


So when you make flashcards, you’ll have different decks (like decks of cards) so for me it was by chapter. I had a group of flashcards (deck) for chapter 1. And if I found a chapter rlly hard I’ll flag it, so I’ll come back to it more often to revise. And right before the exam, if there’s any really difficult chapters, I’ll go over that specific deck right before. I used an app called Anki. It’s just easier and much less time consuming than writing. Although I advise you to make your own flashcards if u can on anki rather than the pre-made ones.
Hello there!

It’s great that you are working hard and want to study more efficiently without burning out!
There are some tips that might help you out.

First, create a structured study schedule with focused blocks of 25–50 minutes followed by 5–10 minute breaks- which is the Pomodoro technique.
Prioritise difficult subjects like physics and set clear goals for each session, such as mastering a specific formula or solving certain problems.
Use active learning methods, regularly quiz yourself instead of just rereading notes, use flashcards and try explaining concepts aloud to someone else or yourself to deepen understanding.
Practice past exam papers frequently to improve your exam technique and identify areas needing improvement.

For physics, visual aids like diagrams, mind maps, and breaking down complex topics into smaller chunks can help you remember concepts better.
Connect new ideas to what you already know or real-life examples to make them more relatable.

Take care of your body and mind by getting 7–9 hours of sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well to keep your energy and focus high. Don’t forget to take regular breaks and allow time to relax to avoid burnout.

Finally, stay positive and patient with yourself. Track your progress and celebrate small wins. If you forget something, review it quickly instead of getting discouraged.
Reflect weekly on what study methods work best.

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

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