Top tips for exams over the Christmas holidays without putting them off
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Don’t overestimate your time and underestimate the content. I know we all just want to enjoy the holidays while postponing the exams thinking that it’s not that big of a deal and it’ll be easy. But don’t underestimate the studying content and consider it easy to study 2 days prior to the exam, your brain can only take so much.
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Set a schedule. If your Christmas holiday is 4-5 weeks, set 2-3 studying weeks (depending on the modules/content) but also protect your days off where you don’t revise at all. It is important to avoid burnout in such a busy period.
•
Pair revision with a nice environment. Since it’s Christmas holiday and nobody wants to study, you can select the environment you study in; warm hot chocolate, blanket, warm lights and a calm playlist can excite your brain to study for long periods.
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The best way to memorise quicker is to actively quiz yourself, don’t just read. Use sites like Anki and Quizlet that generates relative questions for your revision. This way you’ll memorise more efficiently and maybe save some time.
•
Set daily goals to achieve. For example, set 2-3 lectures to study per day and write the learning objectives for each lecture before your revision session. After you revise each learning objective, cross it off. This directs your revision to be focused on the main important parts that are likely to come up in the exam.
Reply 1
•
Don’t overestimate your time and underestimate the content. I know we all just want to enjoy the holidays while postponing the exams thinking that it’s not that big of a deal and it’ll be easy. But don’t underestimate the studying content and consider it easy to study 2 days prior to the exam, your brain can only take so much.
•
Set a schedule. If your Christmas holiday is 4-5 weeks, set 2-3 studying weeks (depending on the modules/content) but also protect your days off where you don’t revise at all. It is important to avoid burnout in such a busy period.
•
Pair revision with a nice environment. Since it’s Christmas holiday and nobody wants to study, you can select the environment you study in; warm hot chocolate, blanket, warm lights and a calm playlist can excite your brain to study for long periods.
•
The best way to memorise quicker is to actively quiz yourself, don’t just read. Use sites like Anki and Quizlet that generates relative questions for your revision. This way you’ll memorise more efficiently and maybe save some time.
•
Set daily goals to achieve. For example, set 2-3 lectures to study per day and write the learning objectives for each lecture before your revision session. After you revise each learning objective, cross it off. This directs your revision to be focused on the main important parts that are likely to come up in the exam.
Definitely agree with what you say!
I am a qualified nurse and I think underestimating the content can lead you to not focus on it at all!
And another thing is give yourself time.
Don’t overwhelm yourself 😊
Reply 2
I am a qualified nurse and I think underestimating the content can lead you to not focus on it at all!
And another thing is give yourself time.
Don’t overwhelm yourself 😊
Thanks for the add up!
It’s definitely vital to give ourselves time and not be too harsh on ourselves😸
Reply 3
•
Don’t overestimate your time and underestimate the content. I know we all just want to enjoy the holidays while postponing the exams thinking that it’s not that big of a deal and it’ll be easy. But don’t underestimate the studying content and consider it easy to study 2 days prior to the exam, your brain can only take so much.
•
Set a schedule. If your Christmas holiday is 4-5 weeks, set 2-3 studying weeks (depending on the modules/content) but also protect your days off where you don’t revise at all. It is important to avoid burnout in such a busy period.
•
Pair revision with a nice environment. Since it’s Christmas holiday and nobody wants to study, you can select the environment you study in; warm hot chocolate, blanket, warm lights and a calm playlist can excite your brain to study for long periods.
•
The best way to memorise quicker is to actively quiz yourself, don’t just read. Use sites like Anki and Quizlet that generates relative questions for your revision. This way you’ll memorise more efficiently and maybe save some time.
•
Set daily goals to achieve. For example, set 2-3 lectures to study per day and write the learning objectives for each lecture before your revision session. After you revise each learning objective, cross it off. This directs your revision to be focused on the main important parts that are likely to come up in the exam.
Hi there!
I agree with these and wanted to add/build on some too!
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Try and plan regular breaks when you are studying and do something fun in them! Even if it's just a walk to see some Christmas lights, it is really beneficial to have that break, get some fresh air and come back to your work feeling fresh.
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Make sure you have time off during Christmas! If you have planned a schedule in advance, plan to have days off around Christmas and especially Christmas day if you celebrate it. It is so good for your brain to switch off sometimes and just enjoy a day with family!
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See if you can go to your local uni library if this is helpful. I find studying outside my house easier, so for some libraries you can go to the local uni one even if you don't go to that uni. Sometimes you have to sign up online, or you may be able to go and show your student card to get a day pass, but look it up for your specific one before you go!
I hope some of these help and have a lovely Christmas 🙂
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 4
•
Don’t overestimate your time and underestimate the content. I know we all just want to enjoy the holidays while postponing the exams thinking that it’s not that big of a deal and it’ll be easy. But don’t underestimate the studying content and consider it easy to study 2 days prior to the exam, your brain can only take so much.
•
Set a schedule. If your Christmas holiday is 4-5 weeks, set 2-3 studying weeks (depending on the modules/content) but also protect your days off where you don’t revise at all. It is important to avoid burnout in such a busy period.
•
Pair revision with a nice environment. Since it’s Christmas holiday and nobody wants to study, you can select the environment you study in; warm hot chocolate, blanket, warm lights and a calm playlist can excite your brain to study for long periods.
•
The best way to memorise quicker is to actively quiz yourself, don’t just read. Use sites like Anki and Quizlet that generates relative questions for your revision. This way you’ll memorise more efficiently and maybe save some time.
•
Set daily goals to achieve. For example, set 2-3 lectures to study per day and write the learning objectives for each lecture before your revision session. After you revise each learning objective, cross it off. This directs your revision to be focused on the main important parts that are likely to come up in the exam.
Hope you are well. Those are some great tips! I would like to also add on some tips and messages for everyone. At Essex, we have reached the start of our christmas holidays and most students know that they have completed some exams and will come back later to do some more!
1) Remember to relax. Take some time to just rest and spend time with your loved ones- friends, family, pets etc. It is Christmas so take advantage of those christmas markets and sweet treats and have fun! You deserve this break so make the most of it. Studying is important but also take a break.
2) Split your time during the holidays to balance a good academic life and social life too. if you have a 4 week holiday, spend the first two weeks finishing off assignments and revising for exams and the other two on holiday mode! You could also do 4 weeks full and do a couple of days revising and the rest of the week with other plans. Take breaks and stay focused.
3) Stay motivated! It is easy to slip during the holidays and just have fun which is important yes but it is also crucial you do study and finish off all your work. Sit down in your bedroom or find a quiet place to study and focus and then have fun, don't get distracted. It is distracting when you are sitting with your friends and they are on their phones and you are studying so try doing a group study session instead 🙂
4) Make sure you are well prepared and organised to come back to University in January. Get your module content all organised and all coursework prepared to be done and then finish it all off so everything is fresh and ready to go into when you return to campus. Don't leave things last minute!
5) It is Christmas and the new year period so take time to have fun with your friends and family. Have a great Christmas and an amazing new year everyone. Come back prepared and happy for 2026 💫
Essex Student Rep - Lavanya 💜
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