The Christmas break usually signals a period of festive cheer, with plenty of time to relax, catch up with family and friends and gorge on mince pies. Unless – of course – you’re a student with exams looming, in which case you’re more likely to be thinking about revision than reindeer. However, the holiday can still be saved with our tips and resources to help you sleigh your revision this Christmas.
By Editorial Team. Published 15 December 2015. Last updated 13 December 2024.
Make a plan
One of the first things you should do is create a timetable. Map out exactly what you’re going to study and when. Ensure the periods you set are realistic and manageable. Do you focus best for half an hour? An hour? Think about the time of day which works best for you. Try leaving your favourite subjects until last and get those you find more challenging out of the way first. Finally, our revision tips and techniques and study advice could help you find new ways to approach exam preparation.
It’s also worth mapping in free periods and any social events you know about ahead of time. This not only makes your timetable more realistic, it also gives you something to look forward to. Christmas cocktails or a film with friends is a perfect way to unwind after a day of revision.
Test your knowledge
Reflecting back on what you’re studying can help you check what you’ve retained and identify areas you need to go over again. Looking at past exam papers, or asking a family member or friend to test you, can help identify gaps in your knowledge and also prep you for the exam itself. Make sure to reward yourself with a weepy rewatch of The Holiday and a tub of Cadbury Roses.
Share the pain
Don’t hide yourself away to revise. Organise a group study session with your classmates. Revising over a coffee, with a gingerbread man or three on the side, can provide you and your peers with a welcome change of pace from hitting the books alone. If you don’t live near your course mates organise a virtual session and throw in some Christmas trivia to keep them on their toes.
Multitask
Studying doesn’t just have to involve books. Watch YouTube videos or listen to podcasts on those tricky topics whilst wrapping gifts or when you’re driving home for Christmas. Granted, it may not be the idyllic Christmas Chris Rea was singing about, but you'd be amazed at what you can learn and retain by exposing yourself to a range of different sources, and it doesn't necessarily take the same amount of focus as your own notes or a textbook.
Take a break and treat yourself
It’s important to take regular breaks to help you rest and recharge. A little fresh air can do wonders and keeping yourself fed and hydrated is also essential – Afterall, those Twiglets won’t eat themselves. Make time for family and friends. Catch up over hot chocolate or mulled wine, mooch around Christmas markets, argue about whether Die Hard is a Christmas film or not (it is), and get home early enough for a good brain boosting sleep before the next day of work arrives.
Remember self-care is important. Take a look at our ways to reduce stress if you’re finding it difficult to manage stress this exam season.
Dream a little
It’s natural to feel annoyed because you’re working, and the rest of the family is downstairs watching The Muppet Christmas Carol for the seventeenth time this week. It’s important to try and consider the bigger picture: short term pain, for long term gain. Your hard work will be worth it, and it won’t last forever. For a motivational boost, visualise yourself enjoying your successful career whenever you sit down to revise. It may sound crazy, but it works and will help chase away your resting Grinch face.
If you’re a current student with us and need a little extra assistance, take a look at our Student Support and Wellbeing Services to see how we can help.
