Revision Tips for The Festive Break

After a hectic first term in Sheffield, no doubt you’re ready for a well-earned winter break. Yet beyond the festive fun, the spectre of January assessments is lurking. Don’t let exam worries put a dampener on your Christmas celebrations. With some planning and smart revision tactics, you can enjoy Christmas and head back to university feeling calm, confident and prepared.

Make a revision schedule beforehand

Don’t leave it to chance. Without a clear plan, you run the risk of hurling yourself into the celebrations and not having the mental bandwidth to hunker down to revision. By mapping out a plan first, you know exactly what you need to do and when. Decide what you need to focus on and how much time you should spend on each topic, then create a realistic timetable that balances study with the social events you already have planned. Leave room for flexibility, too, so if you arrive back home from Sheffield and something fun crops up, you can join in without feeling guilty or resentful.   

Figure out when you’re most productive

Some of us work better in the morning, while others prefer to work later in the day, or even at night, so schedule your holiday revision sessions for when you’re most alert. If you’re heading home, talk to your parents about their plans for while you’re there. For example, if you would prefer to study in the mornings, ask them to save any family activities for the afternoon.

Build in regular and worthwhile breaks

After a term at Sheffield, you probably know what study pattern works best for you. Whether you prefer longer breaks after a couple of hours of learning or short bursts using the Pomodoro technique, breaks are essential, and they should feel rejuvenating, so try not to spend them staring at your phone. Instead, get outside, chat with friends or watch a festive film with the family. Although it’s tempting to go hard on the Christmas partying, balance is key. Use your winter break to catch up on rest as well as revision, with a few alcohol-free nights to ensure you get the deep and REM-filled sleep your brain needs.

Rope friends and family in

Knowledge retrieval is a key part of revision, and it can help to identify gaps in your learning. If you’re staying in Sheffield for all or some of the break, organise study sessions with friends and take it in turns to ask each other questions. If you’re heading home for the holidays, prepare flash cards in advance and ask family members to test you.

Remove technological temptations

Phones are a distraction at the best of times, but come Christmas, they’re constantly buzzing with invites, notifications and social media updates. Take control with the help of apps, such as Opal and Refocus, which block notifications and restrict access to certain apps. They’ll help you stay focused on study time, so you can enjoy guilt-free fun later.

The perfect place to revise - your luxury student room in Sheffield 

When it comes to successful studying over Christmas, the right environment makes all the difference. Dedicated study zones, plus a desk and chair in every bedroom, provide the perfect places for focus, while bright, welcoming communal areas are there for that all-important downtime. With a busy calendar of fun socials and a supportive community, true student Sheffield means you can effortlessly mix exam prep with festive fun. 

Get in touch to find out more: true student Sheffield