Get an overview – make a to-do list
Once you sit down to study, the mountain of tasks can feel overwhelming. Maybe you have seminar presentations, group assignments, or just a ton of reading to do before your next lecture. To make your week more manageable, try writing to-do lists. Start with the most important and urgent tasks, then work your way down the list. Keep your daily to-dos short and realistic, and cross them off as you go. When everything is checked off, reward yourself—with a great cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or something else to look forward to!
Use the Pomodoro technique – set a timer!
You know it’s a bad idea, but still it happens: postponing study until right before the exam. Avoid the stress by getting started early! One great way to do that is with the Pomodoro technique—a popular method where you set a timer and work until it rings. Start small with a 20-minute session, then take a break. The time limit helps you get into the flow, and once you’re focused, you’ll often keep going. As you build up your focus over time, you’ll also build stronger discipline.
Plan for exams from the very beginning
Sometimes studying can be so interesting that you forget there’s an exam at the end. That’s why it’s smart to keep the exam in mind from the start. Find out the exam dates and format early on so you’re well prepared. It’s also helpful to flag the most relevant pages and chapters and create a quote bank you can use when writing your exam. Just remember to cite your sources correctly! Think of the exam as a great finish line—it helps to keep your eyes on the goal!
Use your study group actively
Working together is one of the best parts of student life! Study groups are not only useful for dividing up big reading assignments—especially when 250 pages between Monday and Tuesday seems... a bit much—but they also help keep you motivated. Grab a reusable coffee cup from SiO Mat & Drikke, fill it up with affordable coffee, and work together toward your exams. More minds mean more insights!
Stay active!
Mind and body go hand in hand. We need energy to stay focused, and that means using energy too. Exercise is key to maintaining motivation and concentration. This is just as important at the beginning of the semester as during exam season. Go for walks in your neighborhood, or head out for a ski trip in Nordmarka. Oslo has amazing opportunities for outdoor activity and fitness all year round—especially helpful during finals! Check out what SiO Athletica has to offer here.
Work work work work work...
Studying can feel like a full-time job, especially in the beginning. But once you find your flow, it’s all worth it. Learn from past experiences, keep looking ahead, and remember—you gain more confidence and skill with every semester.