Quick study tips; how do I study successfully?

So the exam is coming up. Your University place is at stake. You're parents are counting on you. Don't panic!

Before you consider diving into that pile of revision you've forsaken for the Game Of Thrones box set instead, or instagram, let's figure out how to make maximal use of your time and effort. I'll tell you a secret, sometimes it's as much as about working hard as it about working smart. I'll start by giving you some advice on how to get the most out of your study time!

1. Less sleep rarely equates to more success. What if I told you having enough sleep is one of the best things you can do for your grades. Well, it's true! Of course I don't have to tell you not to neglect nutrition either.

2. You might need a healthy way to keep stress at a level that doesn't compromise your learning. Exercise is good for that, and it also helps memory. Remember, 'Keep calm and carry on'.

3. Tips and tricks. We can discuss some memory techniques such as 'mind palaces', which are not just a thing Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock does. Did you know that pictures are the most powerful to receive information in terms of retention? So mind maps and colours are certainly not a waste of your time. I can also tell you about the curve of forgetting and the importance of consolidation over cramming.

4. Figure out what works for you, it's good to experiment with different learning styles. For example, you can get together with a study partner or group and explain the material to each other. Peer to peer learning is very powerful, it's a great way to iron out kinks in your understanding. You might also prefer to listen to a recording of yourself lecturing a topic while you enjoy the weather on the freshly cut lawn. Use your imagination, studying can be painless.