Now is not the time to stress over what you didn't do. Yes, taking notes from day 1 would have been great, but if you didn’t do that, there’s no point in beating yourself up. Move on.  

Be prepared 

A colour-coded calendar in your study area

I am a big fan of visual reminders. Having a whiteboard in your room with a study plan or sticky notes on your laptop desktop to keep reminding you of your focus areas.  

Mark out fun time 

Mark dates for important assignments but also social events. No point planning to be in the library at 6 am after a night out. Even in the unlikely chance you do make it, your work will not be of the same quality as normal.  

Study plan 

It’s important to make a plan for your study time so that you don’t waste time flicking through topics. I like to make a flexible study plan based on the topics that can come up. I sometimes put in interchangeable options that take the same time. This allows me to allocate based on my energy or if I am simply sick of studying one topic. 

Personally, I am a crammer. I tend to leave everything until the last 2 weeks before an exam and lock myself in a room. This works for me, even if it is stressful. But it's the stress that motivates me.  

Some people absolutely cannot cram. If you know this is you, then don't do it. Plan ahead, you have enough time to make a 2-month-long study planner. You can find study planners online, or just use a simple Excel sheet. It doesn't need to be overly complicated, just functional. Leave some flexibility in your schedule; it's always better to schedule too much time for a subject than not enough.  

I like to leave at least a day or two before the exam unscheduled. This is for revising topics that I found particularly hard, practice exams, or to cover areas that I ran out of time for. This overflow time is essential in ensuring that you can cover it all. 

Past papers 

Look at past papers; this will show you the exam style. No point in practising essays for an MCQ exam. These are available on Queen's Online Past Papers. 

I would advise looking at these before starting your study plan, so you can be thinking about how to formulate answers as you study.  

Exam preparation classes 

Ask questions in discussions on Canvas or after classes. If there is an exam Q&A, go to it. A lot of people skip these, definitely don't, especially for your first exams at uni.  

This is often how you learn about how to get higher marks. For psychology, it's all about critical evaluation and outside reading, but every course is different. It’s important to know the style of your course.  I also find that these classes kick me into action to start revising. 

Take note of what is going to come up on exams; do not just study all the material. Typically, this can be found on Canvas. If multiple topics can come up, make sure you don’t just study one, even if it is a guaranteed question, this gambles that it will be a good question that comes up.  

NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS – it is not embarrassing. You are paying for this degree. I will ALWAYS be the person who asks the lecturer to speak up when no one can hear them or for them to clarify a point. You are never the only person confused. 

Study style 

You've gotten this far; use the tools you used before. Study methods you used before uni can still work. Or can be adapted to suit your course.  

If you’re in the first or second year of your undergraduate degree, it makes sense to try different study methods if you do not have one that works. But I wouldn't risk trying a whole new study regime right before your final-year exams.  

Personally, I like to give my phone to my mum and lock myself in a room with my textbooks and laptop. I read out loud and rephrase key concepts to make sense for me. I may draw diagrams and write down some key points, but I tend not to write notes as I leave it too late to write and learn them. 

One of the best ways to learn is by teaching someone else, but typically, you don’t have someone who will sit and listen to you for hours (if you do, that’s awesome!). Personally, I use my cat; she is now an expert in Freudian theories. Or when she’s unavailable, I talk to myself. This is why I try to avoid studying in the library, as I learn best when I ramble to myself about psychological theories.  

Cat tax below - 

Study environment 

My friend from secondary school, who got the highest grades, did so by locking himself in a shed. Another girl in my year turns her room into what she calls a cell. This enables her to eliminate all distractions and focus.  

Of course, this does not work for everyone; some people need a study buddy or background noise. It’s important to do what works for you. There is no point in trying to study like everyone else or trying to study aesthetically in a cafe with bubble letters and highlighters if you can’t stand any background noise or clutter. 

Accountability buddy 

It can be nice to have a study group or study partner. This can encourage you to spend time in the library and get work done. Going for a coffee before or after may help keep you caffeinated and motivated. Holding each other accountable can help you both reach your study goals.  

But try not to compare yourself to others. There will always be someone who has started studying before the academic year has even begun, and someone who claims to have started 10 minutes before the exam. It’s important to ignore them and to focus on yourself. We all go at our own pace. Stressing about other people’s studying will not benefit you in any way.  

Motivation - focus on the bigger picture 

I try to remember why I am doing all this. I study so that I can graduate with a good grade and for my ideal career. Remembering the purpose and my reason for doing this degree helps keep me motivated.  

Know your limits 

I never study past 11 pm. I will just be tired and not take in the information, and be exhausted the next day. 

I know that I need breaks and cannot study for 7 days straight. Maybe you prefer 7 days of light study over 5 intense days and 2 days off. It's very individual; there is no universal study plan.  

Support  

If you’re finding things particularly difficult, professional support is available. There is so much support at Queen’s; make sure to use it when you need it. You don’t need to wait until you’re “struggling enough” to get support.  

A lot of people who are registered with the Accessible Learning Support feel guilty for using the conditions in their ISSA. Don’t. There is no medal for never using flexible guidelines. If it makes things easier for you and ensures you are able to do your actual best, then there is nothing to feel guilty about.  

• • The Student Disability and Wellbeing Service has a daily drop-in Monday - Friday, 11 am – 3 pm, Level 1, One Elmwood Student Centre.
  • The Wellbeing Team are available to meet with students in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. They will work alongside you to empower you to realise your full potential and to equip you with the tools you will need to look after your own physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing as you progress.
  • The Learning Development Service provides academic skills to undergraduate students through One-to-One Appointments. They offer guidance on time management, exam preparation, academic writing, referencing, academic integrity, and research. 

Written by Elayna Watters

Third-year Psychology Student