Exam season is coming up and I know how hard trying to fit everything quickly can be very challenging. So let me help you make an effective study plan to reassure you and keep you on track.

Tools :

First things first, let me share the tools I typically use for planning. The easiest app is Google Calendar. It is free, accessible to everyone and you can connect it to any of your devices ! I use it to make sure I don’t forget anything. Additionally, you can pair it with Google Tasks to list of all your projects and assignments.

Before adopting Google Calendar, I relied on Excel (or Google Sheets). Don’t be intimidated; I use it more for display than as a spreadsheet. I manually create a timetable (less visually appealing than Google Calendar) and input each course individually. This method makes it easier to include everything (list of subjects, total of hours…)

Both work well, so choose the one you’re more comfortable with ! The aim is to create an effective study plan, not to make you struggle with tools !

1. Exam dates and color coding

To start off on the right foot, compiling a list of all the exams and projects you need to complete during your exam period is crucial. Afterward, assign a priority number (e.g., 1 to 5) to each subject. This number can be based on your comprehension level of the subject, the estimated time required, or its impact on your final grade. It is up to you ! If you find yourself assigning multiple subjects the highest priority (5), don’t panic, the goal here is to plan. Next, choose a distinct color for each subject to easily identify them in your timetable. Additionally, you can add the exam or project review length.

2. Non-negotiable activities

These activities can be divided into two categories: what you need and want to do. The “need to do” category usually includes tasks such as attending classes if they are still ongoing during your exams, handling groceries, and cleaning… Anything you absolutely need to do is not necessarily something you like.

The second category consists of activities you would like to do as leisure in between your study sessions. These activities should bring you joy, help reduce stress, or allow you to get some fresh air. I understand that during the exam season, time may be limited compared to your usual routine, but try to reserve moments for these activities to prevent burnout.

These activities will be the baseline of your timetable. Therefore, add them one by one and label them as “Non-Negotiable.” This indicates that you must prioritize and complete them, regardless of what occurs during your study sessions.

3. Sleep & meal times

Final item before starting the planning of your study sessions is to establish sleeping and meal times. I won’t lie, I don’t sleep much during exam week even though I know it is important. So, I won’t reiterate the importance of sleep today, I already know that you will pull an all-nighter if necessary. Hence, I’ll advise that you set a specific wake-up, sleeping, and meal time for each day. Your body thrives on routines, especially regarding sleep, so it will help you stay on track. On top of that, include your morning and night routines to ensure that your timetable encompasses all your activities.

Now that the baseline is set up we can start planning the study sessions !

4. Time Estimation

To make an effective study plan you need to manage one variable : time. With your blocks already scheduled, you can now calculate the total available time. According to my planner, I have 66 hours at my disposal. I opted to round down the result instead of up to allow for some margin in case I fall behind on a subject.

Now, try to estimate the amount of time needed for each subject. To make it easier, consider listing chapters, exercises, flashcards, or anything else to break down the subject into smaller items. This will help you narrow each subject down. Sum up all the times and compare the total to the available hours.

If it’s less, that’s excellent – you have flexibility and room to add hours if necessary. If you require more time, it becomes trickier. This may be due to either overestimating your needs or having an overwhelming workload. In such cases, it becomes a game of compromise. You can either reduce the time allocated for your baseline activities (meals, sleep, etc.) or decrease the working time per subject. It’s crucial to be aware of these possibilities in advance so you can adapt your plan accordingly.

5. Breaks

Break Time ! If you already need more time than what you have, it might be challenging to squeeze in breaks. Nevertheless, breaks are crucial for effective study sessions. Your brain needs time to breathe, so whenever possible, include a 5 to 10-minute break.

During your breaks, if you can, try not to reach out directly to your phone. I understand it can be difficult (I’m guilty of it too), but often, scrolling through your phone doesn’t provide the refreshing break your mind truly needs. Instead, try going outside, getting fresh air, stretching a bit, making a snack, or engaging in any activity that allows both your body and mind to recharge !

6. Add everything up !

Now that you have all the elements, you can input each slot into your calendar. Add your study sessions one by one, using the color you assigned to each subject. Ensure that the total aligns with the predetermined amount you’ve defined and aim for diversity in your subjects. The objective is not to dedicate 8 consecutive hours to a single course in one day. Instead, alternate subjects to prevent boredom. Begin by scheduling sessions for the subject with the earliest exam, followed by the second, and so on. At the end, it should look like something like this:

And then you are done ! Congratulations on making your first effective study plan ! Remember, this planning is flexible. Don’t hesitate to adapt it if needed and stay focused on your goals. You’ve got this!

Now you can use it every time you have exams coming up or for any time you have packed weeks coming !