Exam season is fast approaching, a time which sends shivers down even the most prepared student's spine. Fear not, help is here! We have compiled a list of 10 revision tips to make this stressful time a bit easier.

1. Plan your time

The worst thing you can do this exam period is leave all your revision to the last minute! While it may seem quite daunting to fit into all your studying for different subjects, a revision timetable will help to keep you organized. The earlier you can start your revision the better as the more topics you can cover the more prepared you will be for the big day! The old saying "the more you put in the more you get out" describe the exam season perfectly, start today and you'll thank yourself on the exam day.

2. Know the syllabus

Your teachers or lecturers will be following a course syllabus that outlines everything you have to learn for the exams, and this is one of the most important documents you will need this exam season. You will be able to create study plans and notes based on the syllabus and ensure that you do not miss any important topics in your revision.

3. Use past papers

The more familiar you are with the style of exam questions, the more comfortable you will feel on exam day. So ask your teachers and tutors for some of the exam papers that have been used in previous years, or just search online and you should find some useful resources. Chances are over the years there have been some similar questions to some that will appear on your exam, so if you practice these and have an idea or what you should be writing about the better you will perform!

4. Look after yourself

During intense study sessions it is important that you set aside time for you. Take regular breaks and always keep a large bottle of water with you to hydrate yourself throughout the day. This will help prevent stress and keep you motivated throughout the day.

Instead of gorging on chocolate and sugary snacks to help you survive your study sessions try healthy snacks such as bananas and nuts which will help to boost your energy and your concentration . Also, make sure you get plenty of sleep around the exam period like late nights and surviving on a few hours or sleep will have a huge impact on your performance.

5. Avoid distractions

In order to have a successful study session you need to find an environment that isn't full of distractions. So instead of working in your student flat or house, where there are other students coming in and out, try working in the library or another quiet space on campus. You will get a lot more work done! Also, if you're struggling to concentrate or are you yourself battling against a brick wall? Then try switching up locations, a change or scene may do you good!

Another way to avoid distractions is to lock away your phone! No not literally, but putting it to the side while you revise will help improve your concentration drastically. If you keep flitting through your social feeds then the information you are trying to learn alongside this will not be absorbed.

6. Find what works for you

There are many different learning styles out there, so it's important to discover what works best for you so you are able to retain the most information. Some learn best from visual cues, so in this instance mind maps and diagrams will help you to learn best. For verbal learners using cue cards and speech will assist your learning.

In reality we all learn best from a combination of all learning techniques, but once you find out what is most effective to help you learn then there is no stopping you!

7. Repeat, repeat, repeat

If you were just glance at your notes one time then this information will not sink in. However if you run through them over and over again then you will start absorbing this information. While it may seem like quite a laborious task it is known to be one of the most effective methods of learning. The best way to do this is to read through your notes, repeat them in your head and then write down all that you can remember. If you do this numerous times you will notice that you are able to retain more and more of the information.

8. Reward Yourself

For all your efforts you deserve a reward! So make sure you take at least one or two days off a week to unwind and do something that you enjoy doing. After the exam period is about make sure you take time to yourself with no studying and no revision so that you can relax after this busy time. At least until the next round of exams takes place!

9. Use friends and family

Ask people around you, whether this is flat mates or family members, to help you with your revision. They might not find it the most interesting but it will help you and you might just teach them something new! It will also help you when they are quizzing or when you are explaining something to them as you will realize how much you have absorbed and how much information you actually do know.

10. Positivity

While the exam period can be a stressful time, it is important to remember that all you can do is your very best and if you feel as though you have given it all then you shouldn't be too hard on yourself. Remain positive and believe in yourself.

Useful resourses

- Exam Countdown is a free app that allows you to keep track of your exam dates.

- SimpleMind + allows you to create mind maps for all your subjects.

- StudyBlue is a resource that has thousands of ready-made flashcards, notes and study guides.

- Power Nap . It is proven that naps help you study better and this app allows you to set timers for a much needed nap.

At the end of the day exams aren't the all and end all of your existence. There are many options available to you if you aren't as successful as you are hoped to be, such as support from teachers and re-take exams. So while you should give it all, remember that no matter the outcome, there are options out there.

Do you have any helpful Revision Tips ? We would love to hear them in the comments section below!