Overseas Student
Health Cover
Some helpful tips to help you prepare
for your exams
Last updated August 2012
Practice good study habits
Take breaks
• Set up a study area that is free of distractions.
• Remember you will retain
This will help you focus.
• Schedule study time into your day. Start early in the
semester so you have plenty of time and get a set routine.
You know yourself best, study when and where you will
study most effectively. Just remember to schedule it in
each day! It is also important to schedule in some fun stuff
(going for a walk, meeting a friend for coffee, etc) so that
you can have a scheduled break without feeling guilty.
more information if you are
well rested and relaxed. Make
sure you take a 15 minute break
for every hour of study. Get up,
take a walk, have something to
eat or drink, chat with a friend,
or exercise. Exercise will ease the
stress and keep you alert.
• Plan your study sessions. Write a list of things you want
to get done. This will help to make each session more
manageable and less overwhelming.
• There are various ways to learn and some people find it
helpful to use flash cards to remember key information.
Others like to put post-it-notes over the house, such as on
the refrigerator, in the bathroom, or around your living area.
You could also try talking to someone who doesn’t know
much about the topic. Explain the concepts without looking
at notes. Tell them what you have learned. You will find you
will be able to recall more during the exam and feel more
confident about the material.
• If you have a job, talk to your manager about time off
during exams and exam preparation. If you cannot take
time off make sure you schedule study time into each day.
You will need to be strict and ensure you study each day.
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Limit bad habits
• Although you may enjoy coffee
and energy drinks, try to keep it
at your normal intake. Increasing
the amount of caffeine will only
make it harder to concentrate once
the caffeine wears off and can
make you irritable. Try to stick to
your normal intake.
• Avoid fast foods.
• Don’t study with the TV on.
• Limit distractions such as your
phone, friends, email, and internet.
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Some helpful tips to help you prepare for your exams
Take care of your health
Be prepared on the day
• Eat a balanced diet. This will provide you with
• Double check the location of the exam to
the nutrients you need for sustained energy.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
ensure it hasn’t changed.
• Locate where it is a few days prior to
• Try to eat several small portions of food
the exam if you have never been to that
particular building. This will avoid anxiety on
the exam day if you cannot find the building.
throughout the day versus 3 large meals.
• Eat foods high in omega-3 as they are best
for brain functioning. High levels of Omega-3
can be found in salmon, mackerel, anchovies,
sardines, walnuts and kiwi fruit. Kiwi fruit is also
a great source of vitamin C.
• Get plenty of rest. Try not to stay up all night.
You will find a few good hours of studying is
better than trying to stay awake all night. If you
are not absorbing information, it is time to stop
– it is a waste of time to continue if you are not
achieving anything.
• Try to maintain to your normal schedule so
that you are relaxed.
• Find out what you can bring into the exam.
• Eat healthy foods during the day and drink
plenty of water.
• Arrive early.
Most importantly, be positive!
•
Don’t think negative thoughts.
Tell yourself “I am smart, I am prepared,
I am confident, I will succeed!”
Ask for help
• If you are having trouble understanding the
material, ask your lecturer or tutor for help.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed let someone
know, make an appointment with an
advisor. They are there to help you succeed.
Sources:
Healey, J. (Ed.). (2009). Managing Stress. Issues in Society. Thirroul; The Spinney Press.
Marano, H. E. (2003). What is Good Brain Food? Psyched for Success. Retrieved May 25, 2009, from
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20031028-000010.html
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