It’s officially exam season, which means the library’s packed, everyone’s clutching their notes like lifelines, and the group chats are suddenly filled with “what’s tested for the exam???” messages.
As a FASS student, I’ve definitely had my fair share of chaotic cramming and 3 a.m. essay panics. But over time, I’ve built a study routine that keeps me (relatively) sane and actually helps me retain the mountain of content we have to cover. Whether you’re knee-deep in readings or staring down your finals timetable, here’s what’s been working for me.
- Daily To-Do Lists to Stay On Track
Every morning (or the night before if I’m feeling productive), I write a to-do list with everything I need to get done. Breaking tasks down helps me feel less overwhelmed: instead of a daunting “study for GEK1000”, it’s “Lecture 3 notes + review”. It’s all about turning big, intimidating tasks into small wins that feel more achievable.
A Picture of my own To-do List for my EdX Mod
Plus, when the list feels more doable, I don’t waste time stressing over what to do next. I can just pick the next task and get started! I also try to add a couple of fun or low-effort tasks to the list, things like “make matcha” or “respond to emails”, because ticking off those small wins in between the bigger tasks gives me a little momentum boost.
- A Distraction-Free Study Spot
Let’s be real: a bed is good for naps, not notes. I’ve read somewhere that where you study actually matters, because your brain starts to associate certain places with certain activities. So, if you always revise in the same spot, your mind gets the memo: it’s study time. For myself, I usually do my revision in a little nook in my room solely dedicated for work. It has a clean desk, comfy chair, water bottle, and no phone in sight (or at least on ‘Do Not Disturb’). Having this consistent environment helps me to focus way better.
Central Library During Exam Season
And when I feel stuck or restless? A change of scenery works wonders. The quiet levels in the library or a cosy cafe with soft music can give me that fresh mental reset I need. I also try to rope in a couple of friends to study together, where we’ll head to the library and keep each other accountable (with minimal gossip breaks, of course). If you really want to get into the full “mugger” mindset, I strongly recommend heading to Central Library. There’s just something about being surrounded by other focused students that gives you an extra push.
- Pomodoro = Focus Hack
The Pomodoro Technique has honestly saved me more times than I can count, especially since I have the attention span of a goldfish when I’m not in the zone. It’s super simple but surprisingly effective: I work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. During those short breaks, I usually get up to stretch, check my phone, reply to messages, or grab a snack from the fridge.
After four Pomodoros, I take a longer break (usually around 15 to 30 minutes) to properly reset. That’s when I might go for a walk, scroll a bit more guilt-free, or even chat with a friend if I’m studying with others.
It helps break up long, tiring sessions into smaller, more manageable chunks. I’ve found that this method keeps my brain from overloading and really boosts my productivity, especially during exam season when study marathons become the norm.
My To-go Pomodoro Timer
If you’re looking for a Pomodoro timer, i highly recommend this aesthetic Pomodoro website https://studywithme.io/aesthetic-pomodoro-timer/. It’s minimalistic, has calming visuals, and even some background music options to help you stay focused!
- Active Recall
This is the secret sauce for making sure the content really sticks. After I’ve gone through my notes, I close them and try to recall the key concepts from memory. Sometimes, I even explain them aloud to myself, like I’m teaching someone else. This is known as the Feynman technique, and while it might feel a bit awkward at first, it actually works really well. If I can explain something clearly without looking, I know I’ve understood it properly.
Photo credit to Productive Fish; 5 Active Recall Methods
If I get stuck or can’t remember a detail, that’s my sign to revisit that part of the notes. Active recall forces my brain to work a little harder, and that effort helps cement the information in my long-term memory. The more I practise this, the easier it becomes to retrieve what I’ve learned during tutorials or exams.
At the end of the day, studying well isn’t just about grinding non-stop. It’s about being intentional with your time, figuring out what actually helps you learn, and staying consistent. Whether you’re in FASS juggling dense readings and essay deadlines, or tackling problem sets and labs in other faculties, these strategies can make a real difference.
Everyone has their own way of surviving study season, and these are just some of the ones that have kept me grounded. So wherever you’re at, I hope you found something helpful to try! You’ve got this, one step (and one ticked checkbox) at a time.
