1. Time

Psychology tip 1: Allocate time to activities rather than to specific goals. For example, decide "today from 5-7 p.m. I will work on the problem set" rather than "today from 5-7 p.m I will solve 3 problems". The first goal is under your control, the second is not. If you do not fulfil a goal, you will feel bad about yourself.

Psychology tip 2: You do not need to wait for that perfect long block of time with perfect conditions to study maths. How to make the most of cracks of time when studying maths

Sticking to your study plan and weekly calendar

Many first-year university students struggle to follow their study plans. This guide provides practical steps to help students stay committed to their study plans.

1.2 preparing for an exam

1. Gather your study materials
   Ensure you have all the necessary materials ready, including lecture notes, your personal notes, exercises, and any other resources you’ve been using throughout the semester.

2. Make a topic list
   Create a comprehensive list of all the topics that need to be covered. Based on your experience during the semester, estimate how much time you’ll need to revise each topic.

3. Organise your study schedule
   Plan your time effectively by creating a schedule that covers all the topics on your list. Allocate specific time slots for each subject or section leading up to the exam day.

4. Build in flexibility
   Set aside some extra time as a buffer in case certain topics take longer than expected or unforeseen circumstances arise. This will help create a more resilient plan.

5. Plan for a final review
   Reserve time for a final overall revision to consolidate your understanding and address any remaining weak areas.

6. Adapt your plan when needed
   Be prepared to reassess and adjust your plan as circumstances change. Things rarely go perfectly according to plan, so flexibility is key.

7. Track your progress
   Cross items off your plan as you complete them. Not only does this help you stay organized, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment.

8. Cover all topics
   Aim to review all the material rather than focusing deeply on a few topics while neglecting others. A broad understanding of everything is more effective than selective expertise.

9. Cover both theory and exercises
   Revise both theoretical concepts and exercises. For exercises, consider a mix of approaches:

   1. Re-do some exercises by explicitly writing out the answers to reinforce your understanding.

   2. Solve others mentally to save time and increase speed.

10. Stick to your plan
    Stay disciplined and follow your study schedule. Consistency is key to thorough preparation.

11. Remember the fundamentals
    Sleep plenty, eat well, do sport, smile, meet people who lift your spirits, and relax from time to time

2. Energy

With no energy, there is no action. Intellectual work consumes and requires a lot of energy.

Consequences of lack of energy:

• You become extremely negative. Everything is a problem, life sucks.

• You cannot perform intellectual activities at high level - it is even painful.

So, if not well managed, lack of energy creates unhappiness and demotivation.

Keep in mind that:

• Energy fluctuates over the day - that is normal, but you should be fresh when you wake up, and tired when you go to bed.

• After eating there is a drop in energy, be careful that you do not eat something (or in a quantity) that makes you fall into slumber (pay attention to heavy meals or carbohydrate-based meals). If you fall asleep just after lunch, try other types of diets that are lighter or smaller quantities.

• Regularly practicing physical exercise gives you energy.

• To avoid sleepiness make sure that you drink plenty of water.

• Try to avoid energy drinks and excessive consumption of coffee just to stay awake (they create excitement, hence, an unfocused mind,-  and they hinder sleep). 

  • Tip: If you need to be focused for a longer time, try drinking a lot of water and hold it (i.e., do not go to the toilet!).

• Have regular sleeping patterns - and avoid watching a screen at least around half an hour before going to bed. 

• Rest before burning-out. Learn how to rest and what works best for you.

During exam preparation:

• Don't pull all-nighters before exams - for maths, it does not work.

• If you practice physical exercise, do not stop during the study-preparation period, just organise yourself better (you can reduce it, but do not stop completely).