29 Jul Tried-and-Tested Study Tips For Exam Season

Exam season can be a stressful time for students and parents. It’s completely natural to want the best outcomes, but sometimes the path to success means learning what works best for your child or for you, as a student. The good news is that with the right approach, anyone can build strong study habits that boost confidence and support ongoing success.

These practical tips, powered by Teach Me 2, are here to help, whether you’re a student preparing for exams or a parent supporting your child.

Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is probably the most important thing that you can do for your brain. A lack of it can reduce the brain’s ability to absorb information by up to 20%. Whether you’re helping your child through a school year or navigating your own studies, getting enough rest is essential for learning. If anxious thoughts or restlessness are making sleep harder, natural sleep support can help you relax and quiet your mind for a more restful night.

Eat Well and Keep Moving

Nutritious food and regular movement can improve focus, memory, and mood. Prioritise smart snacking, like nuts, fruits, and foods rich in Omega-3s, and try to move every day. Even a short walk or stretch between study sessions can reset the brain. Brain-boosting supplements can also help support memory and concentration.

Get a Content Expert

No amount of studying helps if the content doesn’t make sense. That’s where having the right support makes a real difference. A great tutor can simplify complex topics and explain things in relatable ways. But don’t wait until stress hits. Starting early means more time to build confidence and understanding before the pressure ramps up.

Set Clear Goals

Planning ahead gives structure to study time and helps avoid that “where do I even start?” feeling. Whether you’re a parent guiding your child or a student building your own schedule, break the day into manageable blocks. Make each session focused, realistic, and followed by a short break. Ticking off tasks creates a real sense of progress. You can find more information about creating a study timetable here.

Use Active Recall

Just reading notes isn’t enough. The best way to remember information is by using it. Encourage techniques like self-quizzing, flashcards, or explaining concepts out loud. If you are a student, past papers are gold. They simulate real exam thinking and train your brain to recall information under pressure.

Practice Spaced Repetition

Instead of cramming, revisit content over increasing intervals. For example: Day 1, Day 3, Day 7. This method strengthens memory over time and helps make information stick. It’s simple, effective, and works for any subject or age.

Teach What You’ve Learnt

One of the best ways to understand something is to explain it. Whether explaining a concept to a friend or encouraging your child to “teach it back,” this method highlights what’s really been understood and what needs more work.

Eliminate Distractions

Study time isn’t productive if it’s spent scrolling TikTok. Create a distraction-free zone by keeping phones in another room or using apps like Forest or Focus Keeper to stay on track. A tidy, designated study area can also do wonders for focus.

Mix Subjects

Instead of spending hours on one subject, rotate between different topics. This method, known as interleaving, helps the brain make connections between different types of problems and improves long-term understanding.

Use Visual Aids

Mind maps, diagrams, and colour-coded notes make complex ideas easier to remember. Encourage your child to visualise their notes or summarise big topics in infographic form. It’s a creative and effective way to lock information in.

Whether you’re a parent supporting your child or a student navigating your own academic journey, these simple strategies can make all the difference, not just in results, but in mindset too. Use these tips to reduce some of the study stress, and remember to always start early. Your greatest asset is time!

If you need a helping hand along the way, Teach Me 2 can support you with an amazing tutor.

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Credits: Teach Me 2