Christmas and Exams- How Can You Balance Both?

• gradireland Graduate Careers Fair Accessiblity
• What can you expect from your DARE Orientation?

Wednesday, 20th December 2017

Christmas is only around the corner, but for most students this season is also about assignments and exams. It can be hard to find the right balance between enjoying the holidays and also getting enough study in. Here are some study tips to make sure you’re making the most of your time so you can fit in some Christmas films and mince pies too!

1. Make a Schedule
   It’s easy to get distracted at the best of times, not to mention when there is so much going on and so much to do for Christmas. Getting demotivated and procrastinating is easily done if you have exams before or after Christmas. By making a study plan you can keep track of what you’re getting done and schedule specific times/evenings to take a break too. That way you won’t feel guilty!
2. Know your Learning Style
   Studying can be more tedious and frustrating if you’re not tailoring it to your own personal learning style. Take time out to figure out what kind of learner you are.  This can cut out a lot of time and make studying a lot easier. If you prefer visual learning, maybe try mind mapping. If you are a more auditory learner, read your notes aloud and listen back to them.
3. Study Groups
   Around this time of year, you’ll probably want to meet up with friends and socialise before heading home for Christmas. By forming a study group with some of your friends you can share notes, and help each other stayed motivated. Having discussions about what your studying can help the information stick. Be sure to reward yourself with breaks to catch up too.
4. Get Up Early
   As much as having a lie in may be tempting with no lectures to attend, this will only make more work for yourself in the long run. Most of us work best in the morning, so getting a few hours of study in means you still have the rest of your day. If you do plan on getting up early to study, make sure you’re accounting for that and going to bed that little bit earlier. If you don’t get enough sleep you’ll find concentrating on study a lot more difficult and won’t retain as much information
5. Additional Support
   ​If you’re registered with the Disability or Access Office, make sure you know what accommodations you are receiving for examinations. For example, you might be doing your exams in a smaller venue that is different from your peers so double check your examination venue so you don’t turn up at the wrong location. Additionally, find out if you are getting other accommodations such as extra time or a spelling and grammar waiver. If you are not getting these accommodations but think you might need or benefit from them, go to your Disability / Access Office to find out more information.

Hopefully these tips will help you study smart and be ready for your upcoming exams. Good luck and happy Christmas!