As Semester 1 draws to a close, it’s completely normal to be feeling stressed or overwhelmed about how you’re going to tackle studying for your upcoming exams.
Trying to juggle revision, assignments, and life outside of study can sometimes feel like an impossible task. The good news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to revision. Below are six unconventional study hacks that could help make this season a little less stressful (and even a bit more enjoyable).
1. The reverse Pomodoro and nature method
While the traditional Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) works well for many, it doesn’t suit everyone. If you find it hard to get into the flow in just 25 minutes, or if your breaks don’t feel long enough to reset your brain, this twist might work better.
Try studying for 40 minutes, then take a 20-minute break outside. A walk in nature, sitting in the garden, or simply soaking up some sun can help boost your serotonin (your brain’s feel-good chemical), which in turn supports memory retention and focus. Fresh air and movement can also reduce stress and help clear mental fog.
2. Teach a teddy (or a pet)
Talking through what you’ve learned out loud helps reinforce concepts and identify gaps in your understanding.
It also forces you to simplify and summarise, a key skill for acing exams. Don’t be afraid to get a bit silly with it. Explaining things to a stuffed toy, a pet, or even a mirror takes the edge off the pressure and turns studying into something playful and creative. You might even find that this technique boosts your confidence before oral exams or presentations.
3. A tasty treat for every section
If your study involves scanning through dense textbooks or long readings, this technique can help keep you motivated. Choose a small snack (like M&Ms, fresh berries or popcorn) and place one piece at the end of every three or four paragraphs. When you finish a section, reward yourself! This small incentive adds a layer of satisfaction and helps your brain stay engaged through longer sessions.
4. Use the window method
Write down everything you’re struggling with on individual sticky notes and stick them to a window near your study area. Every time you master a topic, remove that sticky note. Once you manage to ‘clear the window’ by solving all the problems, then you can finish up your study session and take a minute to admire your view! This method works especially well for learners who like to have a visual reminder of their progress.
5. The countdown method
This time-based technique helps you study in gradually shorter bursts, which can feel more manageable as your energy dips. Start with 50 minutes of study, then take a 10-minute break. Then go for 40 minutes, break for 10, then 30-10, 20-10, and finally 10-10. You’ll finish with 2.5 hours of focused study and plenty of rest in between. You can tweak the starting point depending on how you’re feeling that day, start with 60 or 40 minutes if that suits your focus better.
6. Smell association
Scent can be a surprisingly powerful memory trigger. Choose a specific perfume, essential oil, or even a unique gum flavour to use only while you’re studying. Then, use the same scent during your exam (double-check exam guidelines first to make sure you’re allowed to chew gum). Your brain will associate the smell with your study sessions, helping bring that knowledge back to the surface when you need it most. Peppermint, rosemary, or citrus scents are particularly popular for focus and clarity.
