Study Tips - How to Prepare for Your First Exam
Written by: Bella Kats, 3rd Year Honours BMOS Consumer Behaviour
Photo by: Weldon Library
Studying for your first exam can feel intimidating, but it is not as scary as it seems. Think of it like a high school test. The main difference is the amount of material, not the difficulty. With the right approach, you can feel confident and ready. Here are some strategies I use to study effectively.
Study Tips for your Final Exam
Active Recall
One of the best ways I learn is by practicing active recall. Instead of reading my notes repeatedly, I’ll read a section and then try to recall what I just read without looking. This helps me not only memorize the material but also understand it and connect the ideas in my own way. Writing down what I remember in my own words also forces me to check if I really know it or if I’m just skimming.
Flashcards
Quizlet flashcards are a great resource and helpful for quick review. You can also make flashcards on paper if you prefer writing things out.
Podcasts
Another strategy I use is Notebook LM to turn my notes into summarized podcasts. This is a useful way to study passively. I like listening to these while I am walking to campus or doing chores. It makes reviewing less stressful and more flexible since you can keep learning without sitting at a desk.
Make a Study Schedule
I like to start reviewing about a week before the exam if I’ve been keeping up with lectures, readings, and coursework. I go over all the material in smaller chunks by lecture, chapter, or topic and test myself as I go. At the beginning of the week, I’m more relaxed about what I know, but as the days go by, I expect myself to recall more until I feel solid by the day before the exam.
Breaking things into manageable pieces helps avoid cramming everything at once. For example, if my exam is on Saturday, my week might look like this:
-
-
- Monday: Read through the material.
- Tuesday: Recall okay.
- I can remember the general ideas but still need to double-check details.
- Wednesday: Recall good.
- I can recall most major concepts without looking at my notes.
- Thursday: Recall great.
- I can explain topics clearly and remember key details.
- Friday: Recall amazing.
- I can recall everything confidently and answer practice questions well.
- Saturday: Perfect, time to write the exam.
- Full mastery
-
This way I know exactly where I stand and can track how well I’m retaining information each day. It’s motivating to see the progress.
Final Tip
Give yourself breaks and be realistic. Studying all day without rest does not mean you will remember more. It usually means you will burn out. With structure, consistency, and balance the process becomes easier, and you can walk into your first exam feeling prepared.
Need Study Support?
Western has several academic supports that make studying a lot easier, especially during the busy exam seasons.
PAL Centre (Peer Assisted Learning)
If you’re stuck on course material or want someone to walk through tougher concepts with you, the PAL Centre is a great place to start. Peer Leaders who’ve already taken the course run small, relaxed sessions that help make things clearer and less overwhelming.
1-on-1 Academic Support Appointments
If you prefer something more personalized, you can book a one-on-one appointment with an Academic Learning Strategist. They can help with study plans, workload management, note-taking, or exam prep, all tailored to what you need.
Study Zone
The Study Zone offers a quiet but supportive drop-in space where you can study alongside Peer Leaders. You can work independently, join focused study blocks, or ask questions as they come up. This is a great resource if you need a little accountability.
Published on
