Have you all started the Easter holiday yet? I have just finished all my deadlines, and I am so ready for the break! I will be sharing some study tips and helpful library resources to you today. Hope this can get everyone slightly more prepared for any upcoming assignments.

 

Let’s start off with top ten study tips. First, set up a study routine. Making study as a regular habit sounds impossible, but is very beneficial to keep on track with learning progress. It can also avoid procrastination. The second tip, take regular breaks. The Pomodoro Technique is an effective time management method, is also known as the ‘Tomato’ technique. The goal of this method is to break down work into intervals. It advises people to work for around 25 minutes, then separated by 5 minutes short breaks. Or go exercising! Whenever I got stuck from assignments, I often play badminton to release all my stress out.

The third tip, review your coursework feedbacks. FEATS (Feedback Engagement and Tracking at Surrey) is a new online tool co-designed by Surrey students. It aims to help students better understand and engage with their feedback. FEATS assists students to integrate coursework feedback, to access various resources and tools to strengthen our skill development. In the long run, it helps to develop interactive action plans.

Practice with past papers. Familiarising with previous question types is essential during the exam preparation. Practising is the only way to achieve better academic performance. Next, find your favourite study space. I am not a person who can focus at home, so I love going to the library when I start my essays. My favourite spot is the second silent study area on the second floor of the library. I get motivated by seeing other students being so focused and passionate about their work.

 

Organise study groups is my next tip. Being in study groups can learn faster and more extensive knowledge. Through discussion of a particular topic, peers might bring up new perspectives or thinking skills. That’s why I love organising study groups.

 

Set your study goals is important too. Listing out the goals give you a sense of purpose to achieve them. It helps to make better decisions on what to study and will experience a sense of success after completing them.

 

Consult lecturers when you are in confusion. Surrey has the ‘Open door policy’ for students to drop by a faculty member’s office to ask anything freely, from course-related questions to random chats. The university encourages students to chat with academic staffs proactively. Honestly speaking, it makes a huge difference in whether the door is shut or open to me. The ‘open door’ behaviour does motivate me to go up to my lecturers and ask questions. I know, it seems like a weird thing, but it does matter a lot! Maybe from the psychological perspective, ‘open door’ might symbolically mean something.

 

The ninth tip is ‘use new technology’. It is using the distractions of technology to your advantage in study time. Like using digital flashcards, study apps to have a more efficient revision. Keep hydrated is my last tip.

 

However, it is vital to have your own learning style. Whatever the ‘best advice’ we give, your preference will definitely work the best. “Big changes start with small steps”, credit yourself even you have read the assignment brief in advance! Every small steps matter!

 

 

P.S. Start early for your revision or assignment preparation! Don’t leave it until the night before 🙂

Please noted that the library would close for reconstruction work from 15th to 20th April.

Have a nice Easter break everyone!