5 revision tips for university students

When exam season arrives, it's natural to feel nervous, particularly when your performance could have a significant bearing on your final degree classification.

A 2026 Save My Exams Exam Anxiety Survey of more than 1,200 UK students found that 91% had experienced exam anxiety in the past year. Nearly three-quarters (71%) hadn't sought help or support to manage their stress.

Organising your revision can help you:

• approach your exams with greater confidence
• feel more in control
• focus on what you need to do.

1. Find the revision techniques that work for you

Before you start revising, Dr Lisa Rüll, specialist study support tutor (disability) and author of the Studying Effectively content at the University of Nottingham, advises students to take the time to understand themselves and how they learn.

This is because simply learning all the content won't necessarily make your revision more effective or result in better exam performance. You need to:

• consider what methods work for you, whether it's notes, mind-maps, quizzes or talking with others to reinforce your learning
• know your exams and understand the format, question styles and what you'll be expected to demonstrate
• think about when you focus best, your living circumstances and your health needs.

2. Start early and use past papers effectively

To achieve the best results, lay the groundwork throughout the year by attending lectures and seminars and keeping up with weekly readings and coursework. Maintaining clear, up-to-date notes will make revision more effective and less stressful.

Familiarise yourself with the exam format by working through past papers, which should be available from your lecturers or university library. These can help you understand the types of questions you may face and practise applying what you've learned, rather than simply recalling information.

Attempt previous papers under timed conditions, allocating a set amount of time to each question. This will highlight where you need more practice and help you judge how long different types of answers require, reducing the risk of spending too much time on one question in the exam.

3. Create a revision timetable and study regularly

'A well-balanced revision timetable can be a really helpful way to manage time,' says Dr Leanne Ingram, academic skills adviser at the University of Sheffield.

Simply trying to cram a load of information into your short-term memory the night before an exam only leads to feelings of anxiety and panic, making it even harder for you to retain everything you're trying to remember. This often leads to disrupted sleep and further confusion.

A 2025 meta-analysis titled The Distributed Practice Effect on Classroom Learning, involving more than 3,000 learners, found that spreading study across multiple sessions was more effective than concentrating it into a single block.

Revising little and often - for example, by dividing your work into shorter sessions across several days or weeks - can therefore help you retain what you've learned. It may also make your workload feel more manageable and help you avoid the pressure of last-minute cramming.

'Allocate blocks of time to test your memory and recognition, review notes, and answer practice questions, rather than relying on long periods of passive reading,' suggests Dr Ingram. 'Techniques like the Pomodoro method, which uses 25-minute focus sessions followed by five-minute breaks, can help you maintain focus and avoid burnout.'

Dr Ingram explains that it's also important to make the most of study time with fellow students. 'When you study with your peers, use group sessions for quizzing one another, explaining ideas aloud and challenging gaps in each other's understanding as that interaction deepens learning,' she adds.

If you plan to revise with others, read our tips for successful group work.

For more advice on planning your revision, explore our tips for managing your time at university.

4. Look after your health while revising

Doing well in your exams isn't just down to revision. Looking after yourself in the days and weeks beforehand can help you manage anxiety and perform at your best. Make time to rest, socialise and keep on top of other commitments so that your life remains balanced.

Remember that your physical health is just as important as your mental wellbeing, so make a point of:

• eating well
• keeping hydrated
• limiting coffee and sugary foods
• maintaining a regular sleep routine.

Your study space should be:

• clean and clutter-free
• quiet
• well lit.

Read about other ways to manage student stress.

For further support, learn how to look after your mental health at university.

5. Stay calm on exam day and reward yourself

As the day of the exam draws closer, visualisation can help you approach it more positively. Picture yourself sitting calmly in the exam room and answering the questions confidently.

You can try several methods to keep calm on the day, including:

• Knowing what to do if you freeze or go blank - look away from the paper, breathe in to the count of seven and out to the count of 11, then wait until you're calm before continuing.
• Not turning the exam paper over straight away - breathe deeply, and then take a moment before looking at the questions.
• Playing music beforehand - listen to calm, slow and familiar instrumental music, such as ambient soundscapes, classical music or instrumental film scores.
• Starting with the easiest question - this can help you settle into the exam and build confidence before tackling more difficult questions.

If a question is confusing or taking too long, mark it and return to it later. However, avoid flagging too many questions, as repeatedly moving between them can become overwhelming and make it harder to manage your time.

It's also worth planning small rewards after individual exams, as well as something to look forward to once your final exam is over. Having these rewards planned can provide added motivation throughout the exam period.

Find out more

• Get advice on how to write an essay.
• Read about university grades in the UK.
• Explore how you'll make the most of the summer break.