1. Find your favourite place to study
We all have our favourite place to study. It could be your bedroom or the library, under the tree in the garden or a quiet corner in the living room. No matter where, find a place to study that works for you and where you can’t easily be distracted.
 
2. Set up your study space
Try make your study space comfortable, happy and inspirational. Why not decorate it with pictures, items or inspirational quotes that remind you of your goals and what you would like to achieve.
 
3. Study every day
Studying a little each day helps you to remain calm and avoid the stress of last minute cramming. Don’t leave studying to the last minute. Pay attention in class, make sure you understand the work, do your homework and reach for your dreams.
 
4. Plan your study timetable
It is good to set time aside to study but still have time for friends and family, and doing fun things like watching TV or playing sport. Use your X-kit Achieve study time table to help you manage your time and ensure you’ve allocated enough studying time to each subject. Schedule three study blocks per day of 50 minutes each with a 10 minute break between each block. Each study block should be a different subject so that each day you study three different subjects.
 
Making to-do lists is another great way to break up big tasks into manageable chunks, for example, before each study session, write down what you would like to complete by the end of your session.
 
5. Minimise distractions while studying
While studying, turn of the TV or music and switch off your cell phones so you concentrate and focus on the work. If you use your cell phone to check the time, turn off your data so that you won’t be distracted by Facebook or WhatsApp.
 
6. Find out what your study style is
We all have our own way of studying that helps us learn best.
 
Are you an auditory learner and prefer learning by listening? If you are an auditory learner, try reading your notes aloud and discuss them with friends. You could even record yourself reading your notes and play them back to yourself.

Are you a visual learner and remember things better once you have seen them? If you are a visual learner use colour highlighters to highlight the important points in a paragraph. You can also draw mind maps to help you summarise. Read here on how to draw a mind map.
 
7. Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you don’t understand something. Talk to your teacher or ask a friend for help.
 
8. Stay healthy
Studying for exams can be very stressful so although tempting, limit the amount of junk food you eat and rather choose ‘brain foods’ to help your brain function at its best. Drink lots of water, and get enough sleep and exercise to help keep your brain fresh and active.
 
9. Quiz yourself
Quizzing yourself is a good way to build your confidence about what you know and a good way to help you find out what you still need to know. Team up with a friend and ask each other questions or ask a family member to help you.
 
If you prefer to quiz yourself, why not try X-kit Achieve Mobile. This will allow you to quiz yourself on your cellphone. Quizzes include helpful hints and worked examples. Register for free and receive a free topic.
 
10. Stay positive
Work hard but maintain a positive attitude in achieving your goals and believe in your abilities.
 

Good luck studying for exams!