Making Good Use Of the Lecture-Free Week: Useful Tips

Habeebulah Salawu

The lecture-free week is here, that period of the semester that comes only once and is a thunderous reminder that the exam period is right about the corner. A shared experience among a few students has been that the lecture-free week seems to fly very fast.

What we chose to do with this information is our choice but the best would be for us to maximize this period before it flies away.

Here are a few tips on how to make good use of this period

● Have an overview by creating a study system/timetable: The lecture-free week is limited and hence it is important to allocate the time available to specific studying activities as time management is all about assigning our tasks within a specified time or period.

● Prioritize: A big tip would be to assign importance or give more attention to how we approach some courses over others this may be because they carry more academic weight or to compensate for the mid-semester test, however, it is important to prepare, study and read for every course.

● Smart Reading: Studying can sometimes be overwhelming but can always be approached with a positive mindset. While studying it is important to note the important sub-topics and topics, important points, important questions, and areas that may likely be in the exams. However, it is as noteworthy that one should try to cover all the course topics and course materials.

● Revisions of test questions, assignments, and past questions: Mid-semester test questions may sometimes be repeated or modified therefore it is important to review their correct answers. Also, questions that have been observed in past years should not be overlooked.

● Avoiding loss: It is important to also plan against losing motivation, energy, or time due to unexpected events therefore having them in mind is a good way to prepare against them.

● Know yourself: During this period it is important to be conscious about one's health, study patterns (day or night reading), and take adequate rest to stay mentally alert during the examination period.

● Browse it: if you come across any challenges before the exams ask your course mates, or lecturer or just search for it on the internet.

● PRACTICE questions

● Staying ahead of the forgetting curve: It is IMPORTANT to note that for you to retain what you read it is important to review and revise them periodically in order not to forget.

● Set reminders, be disciplined, and stay accountable.

● Ask questions on the class group

● Apply spaced repetition

● PRAY PRAY PRAY!

I hope these few tips will be of benefit. Don't forget to stay positive. ALL THE BEST.