Weirdly, I’m really looking forward to getting back to university and studying in September. I’ve loved my year out, loved my placement, really don’t want to leave. But I’ve missed studying and learning (just as well, with a load of professional exams to do after graduation!).
One of the biggest bonuses I’ve found with a placement year is that you gain a whole new perspective on yourself and how you work best. Previously I would have said I worked best in the evenings, but I now know that mornings are when I am most productive. I’ve realised I work better when I have lots to do. I need to write tasks down and tick them off (including remembering to buy milk on my way home). All these things are contributing to me being keen to getting back to university. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learnt into practise, because I know I can improve my study skills and boost my grade up. First class honours, here we come!
“How to be a Knowledge Ninja”* teaches better study techniques, keeping you better focused and able to achieve your best. I’ve always been sceptical about these books, but I really enjoyed this one. I especially liked the section on General Study – it looked at day-to-day learning, lectures and ‘homework’ rather than just revision. The book focusses more on learning throughout the year as opposed to revision – it’s definitely going to be utilised come September, and I’m tempted to order the original “How to be a Productivity Ninja” too.
“Lazy Student’s Guide to Revision”* is definitely focussed on the revision side! This is one I really recommend for A-Level students, or even those doing GCSE’s (it’ll be passed over to my sister in a week or so!) as it is pretty basic, teaching simple elements of revision. It looks at identifying your ideal revision technique and how to utilise this best. Simple, but effective – perhaps one if you are studying a different subject or exam style for the first time!
The downside to my placement year? I’ve developed even more of a reliance on the good old cup of tea. Though I have got myself a teapot to restrict visits to the kettle, and taught myself to like non-caffeine alternatives!
How do you revise best? Do you have exams this year or, like me, are you able to spend time enjoying the nice weather? I have to admit it’s been nice to sit in the sun not squinting at equations!
