My Top Revision Tips

With mocks released and exam season coming up, these are my go-to revision strategies that help me feel prepared and confident.

1. Always have a rough schedule in mind
Before I start revising, I spend 10–15 minutes making a rough timetable. I break subjects into smaller topics and estimate how much time each will take. This ensures I don’t spend too much time on my strengths at the expense of my weaknesses and lets me plan my weekend or available revision time realistically. I personally stick to one subject per day, for example, if I’m revising Business Law, I won’t switch to Land Law on the same day. The goal is to keep the day simple and avoid panic if a topic takes longer than expected. Anxiety about running out of time or not making progress makes revision much less effective, because you’re more likely to skim rather than truly internalise the material. Leaving yourself extra time to research or revisit tricky sections ensures your learning is deeper and more thorough.

2. Active recall > passive reading
Everyone has their own methods, flashcards, quizzes, etc, but what works best for me is a sequence of things. I first re-read my notes, which contain sample questions, answers, and structures. I then involve active recall by trying to explain concepts out loud or in my mind, as if I’m teaching someone else. I make notes of areas I struggle with and then bring them to university workshops, using lecturers’ feedback to check my understanding. This way, I combine revision, engagement, and feedback all in one go, hitting several birds with one stone.

3. Look after yourself and schedule according to your body clock
I tend to stay up late, but I’m not productive at night, so I make sure to wake up early and settle in gradually. Otherwise, I end up starting revision late and burning out early. Some people prefer 25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks, but I like to complete a whole topic or sub-topic before taking a longer break. This approach works for me, but the key is knowing your own rhythm and planning around it. Small daily progress adds up much more effectively than last-minute cramming.

Finally, exam season is stressful, but trusting your preparation and sticking to a plan will do wonders for your confidence and positivity.

Best of luck to everyone with their mocks and exams!

- Alfred LLB Law student at The University of Law