How should I study for university exams?
To study for university exams, first check the syllabus and instructions given in class for the scope, format, and assessment method, then organize your lecture materials and notes. Plan backward from the exam date, and do more than reread: explain key ideas in your own words, solve problems, and try to recall information without looking. Ask the instructor or a learning-support office about unclear points early, and allow enough time for sleep. Use past exams or practice questions only when their use is permitted.
Key points
- Confirm the exam scope, format, and assessment method first.
- Organize lecture materials and notes, then practise explaining or recalling key ideas independently.
- Create a manageable study plan by working backward from the exam date.
- Use past exams or practice questions when they are available and permitted.
Things to check
- Exam scope, format, and rules for using materials vary by university, faculty, course, and academic year, so check the instructor’s instructions and official course information.