How to Prepare for Exams as a Lancaster University Student
As a Lancaster University student, you know that preparing for exams can be challenging, especially if you're a first-year student who hasn’t had to take University style exams before. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and tools available to help you ace your exams and achieve your desired results. In this blog post, we'll discuss how you can use the library, online resources, and various study techniques to prepare for your exams.
Study Techniques
These three study techniques have been tested by scientists and have been shown to improve exam results:
Spaced Repetition
One powerful study technique that can improve memory retention and exam results is spaced repetition. It involves revisiting information at specific intervals to reinforce learning and retention. When you learn new information, your brain tends to forget it quickly. However, if you revisit that information at specific intervals, you can reinforce your memory retention and improve your chances of recalling that information later.
Anki is a free online study tool that is perfect for those new to the technique. It's a flashcard program that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize information. You can create your own flashcards or download pre-made decks. The website then uses an algorithm to determine the optimal time to review each flashcard, based on how well you recall it. Using Anki to hone the technique ensures that you review the material at just the right time to reinforce your memory retention.
When using spaced repetition, it's essential to start early and space out your study sessions over a longer period. It's recommended that you begin reviewing material at least two weeks before the exam and continue to review it regularly until the exam date. This technique works well for long-term retention, so it's important to give yourself enough time to space out your study sessions adequately.
2. Practice Testing
Practice testing is a well-known and effective study technique that you have probably been using since primary school. It’s easy to do from the comfort of your student accommodation and involves testing yourself on the material you are studying, either through practice questions or by creating your own quizzes.
This technique helps improve memory retention and reinforces the learning process by forcing you to retrieve information from memory, which strengthens the neural connections associated with that information.
Creating your own quizzes can be a fun and engaging way to study, as it allows you to tailor the questions to your specific needs and learning style. If you like lots of notes and colour co-ordination you can create quizzes on paper, using flashcards, or if you want to study on the go online tools such as Quizlet or Kahoot can help create the quizzes and study games for you and you can access them anytime. To create effective quizzes, it's essential to identify the most critical concepts and information and ensure that you cover all the relevant topics. You can also include multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, or open-ended questions, depending on your preferences.
Don’t forget that when you are using practice testing, it's essential to review your results and identify areas where you need to improve. This technique helps you identify gaps in your knowledge and focus your study efforts on the areas where you need the most help. It's also important to space out your practice testing sessions over a longer period, rather than cramming all your study sessions into a few days. By spacing out your sessions, you give yourself time to reflect and review the material more effectively.
3. Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a popular time-management technique that can be useful if you have a short attention span when studying for exams. It involves breaking down study sessions into focused, uninterrupted 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks of 5-10 minutes. This technique can help you stay motivated, avoid burnout, and manage your time more effectively.
Users of the Pomodoro Technique, recommend setting a realistic goal for each study session and commit to studying for the full 25 minutes without any distractions or interruptions. After the 25-minute study interval, take a short break to recharge your energy and refocus your mind. You can use this time to stretch, grab a snack, or, to boost your mood and concentration you could even hit the Bailrigg Student Living gym.
The Pomodoro Technique is a versatile technique that can be used to study any subject, it works well for both sciences or humanities students in Lancaster. It can be particularly useful if you find yourself procrastinating, or have poor time management. By breaking down study sessions into smaller, more manageable intervals, you can stay focused and motivated, even when facing complex or challenging material.
Where can you study?
The Library at Lancaster University
The library is a vital resource as exam season kicks in and you’ll find it packed with other students preparing for their exams. It’s no surprise as the Lancaster University Library is well equipped with a vast collection of books, journals, and other materials that are essential for exam preparation. In addition, the library provides a conducive environment for studying, with designated quiet areas and group study rooms available. If you are working on coursework alongside exam prep, the Library is a one-stop-shop as it provides access to online resources through the library's intranet, including e-books, academic articles, and research databases.
Your Student Accommodation
If you prefer to study from the comfort of your student housing in Lancaster and enjoy the peace of using the desk in your student room, there are many online resources and tools that you can use to prepare for their exams. These resources can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, making them convenient if you have a busy schedule. Some of the most useful online resources and tools include:
Quizlet: This online platform provides flashcards and study games that can help students memorize and learn important concepts.
Google Scholar: This search engine allows students to search for academic articles and papers related to their topics of study.
Grammarly: This online writing assistant helps students improve their writing skills and correct any grammatical errors in their work.
Evernote: This note-taking app can help students organize their study notes, create to-do lists, and set reminders.
Preparing for university exams requires you to have discipline, dedication, and access to the right resources and techniques. If you are a student at Lancaster University, you can take advantage of the library, online resources, or even one of our recommended study techniques to prepare for your exams successfully. Good luck this exam season!
