Office of Student Life

Study Hacks and Exam Tips

10 Study Hacks That Actually Work

  1. Quiz yourself, don't just reread stuff.
    Reading your notes over and over = fake learning. Instead, try recalling info without looking. Flashcards, Quizlet or just talking to yourself works.

  2. Space it out (no cramming zone).
    Break up your study sesh over days/weeks. Your brain loves repetition with breaks. Way better than a night-before panic marathon.

  3. Do practice questions like it's game day.
    Mock exams or past papers = your cheat code. It shows what you actually know and what you thought you knew but didn't.

  4. Teach it to your cat (or roommate).
    If you can explain it like you're on a TikTok "Did You Know..." channel, you're golden. Teaching forces your brain to make sense of it all.

  5. Try pomodoro (aka study, chill, repeat).
    25 minute focus, five-minute break. Do three to four rounds, then take a longer break. It keeps your brain in the zone without burning out.

  6. Do the hard stuff first.
    Don't leave scary topics for last. Knock them out early when your brain is still at 100%. You'll thank yourself later.

  7. Make it visual.
    Draw charts, use color-coded notes or build a mind map. If it looks good, it sticks better and it's more fun to review later.

  8. Block the distractions (put the phone down).
    Use Focus mode, put your phone on Do Not Disturb or try apps like Forest or Study Bunny. Your TikTok feed will still be there later.

  9. Sleep, snacks and walk = power ups.
    You can't study well if your brain is running on fumes. Nap if you need to, snack smart and get outside for a bit. It's science.

  10. Study groups (but make them productive).
    Group up with people who actually study. Share notes, quiz each other, vibe check each other's understanding. No chaos, just teamwork.

10 Exam Tips That'll Save Your Grade

  1. Read the directions like your life depends on it.
    Don't skip this! One misunderstood instruction = instant regret. Slow down, scan it, then start.

  2. Do a quick scroll before you dive in.
    Skim through the whole exam first. Find your easy wins, figure out the vibes and plan your attack.

  3. Start with the questions you can crush.
    Confidence boost = unlocked. Get those easy points first, then circle back to the brain-busters later.

  4. Don't get stuck in the Twilight Zone.
    Time is real. If a question is giving "brick wall," move on and come back later with fresh eyes.

  5. Show your work, even if it's giving, "I think?"
    Partial credit is a W. Write something down, even if it's messy. You might score points for the effort.

  6. If you blank, breathe. Then keep it moving.
    Blanking out? Take a breath, shake it off, skip ahead. It'll probably come back to you when you least expect it.

  7. Watch for the sneaky questions.
    Words like "always," "never" or double negatives are low-key traps. Read twice, answer once.

  8. If you finish early, don't just bounce.
    Double check your stuff. Look for missed Q's, bubble sheet mistakes or typos. Future you will appreciate it.

  9. Hydrate and center yourself.
    Sip some water, roll your shoulders, take a steady deep breath. Staying chill = brain unlocked.

  10. Trust your gut. It's smarter than you think.
    Your first instinct? Usually right. Don't second-guess yourself into chaos unless you know you messed up.