This guide needs no introduction. Quit wasting time and start reading! Here's everything you need to know to pass your exams.

If you have any suggestions and criticisms, drop them in the comments below!

"A goal without a plan is just a wish"

Studies require discipline. Us gamers don't even know what it means. A study plan, no matter how good it is, will fail if you don't have the discipline to commit to it. For starters, we have to find our reason for studying. Most of us have plenty of reasons, but we're constantly distracted to think about them. I know it's mentally exhausting to simply be disciplined. What you need is a mindset shift. Think of studying as something you *want* to do rather than you *have* to do. I mean look at this:



Anyways, the point is that your will-power is finite. If you rely on it too much, you risk burning out. This is why we want to make a plan so that we know exactly what we need to study, when we're supposed to study and how much.

When it comes to making a schedule, my favourite technique is to draw a 24-hour clock and make zones for my study/play/rest times. I make sure that studies come first before everything else.

Here's an example
I can only play between 6pm and 9pm.

Give yourself plenty of time to sleep. At least 8 hours of slumber is necessary to keep your mind healthy. Sleep deprivation is not good for your memory performance.



Studies are your number #1 priority during exams. Don't ever go near your computer before doing your work! Make sure to prioritize material that is most important to the exam. And don't over-estimate how much work you can complete. Always include buffer time in your schedule. If your exams are in 30 days, have at least 3 days of rest in your schedule. Just in case you got sick, something happened or anything, you won't fall behind your schedule.

TIP: Don't spend too much time planning and detailing your schedule. It's a form of procrastination known as "Action Faking". Just make a simple plan and take action!

"Tidy space, tidy mind"

Take your phone and throw it out the window. Smash that laptop. Yeet everything that's distracting. And don't lie in bed, you'll get sleepy!



If you value your belongings, just make sure anything that's distracting is away from your vision. Less visual cues = less distractions. If you use too much will-power, you won't be able to complete your studies!



Your surroundings should be as minimal as possible. Studying at the library, cafe or under your bed is also a good idea. (Not sure about that last one though)



If you feel too lazy to make plans let alone study, clean your room. A neat and tidy room will also help you think clearly.

The biggest distraction for me when I'm trying to study is... the internet. It's difficult to concentrate when you're waiting for that notification or messege. Often times I find myself scrolling through Twitter or Reddit endlessly before realizing I just wasted an hour.



The best thing you can do to help yourself resist giving into distractions is by putting a barrier of entry. For example you can logout of your social media accounts and delete/disable social media apps on your phone. You want to make studying easier as much as you can.

TIP: You should tell others when you start studying. Gaining momentum takes time and getting distracted can be very detrimental to your productivity!

"When you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit"

Study for 30 minutes with 5-15 minute breaks in-between multiple sessions. Have a bottle of water besides you. There are plenty of apps available on the play store for you to time your study sessions. Here's one I recommend: Focusmeter[play.google.com]



Make checklists and (don't) make doodles. If you're having trouble concentrating, grab a piece of paper and scribble down everything that's running in your head. Brew a cup of coffee, light some candles and get intimate- I mean focused.



Exercise can really boost your studying performance. Do some push-ups or sit-ups and get your blood flowing!



If you're cramming for a test, it's always better to give your mind and body a rest. Usually when we're cramming for a test, we often ignore things like being dehydrated, sleep deprived or stressed.



Coming to school and telling your friends, "I didn't study a single thing!" after hours of cramming from home is something we've all done at some point.

TIP: If you can't focus, just pick up a pen or pencil and stare at it for 30 seconds. Then get back to studying. It works, trust me.

"The bigger the struggle, the bigger the reward."

Fire up your favourite game and time it for 10 minutes. For me, I'd play 10 minute deathmatch in CS:GO. Taking a trip to the store might take time but it's also worth while.



Don't watch anime or do anything too immersive. You'll probably keep thinking about it later and it will effect your studying efficiency.



Rewarding yourself is important. Don't ever think of studying for hours straight with no breaks. It's a bad idea. Even 5 minutes break is enough! It's better to just close your eyes and breath. Do some stretches and take a short walk. Go pet your dog or cat if you have one.

TIP: Avoid eating sweets or snacks high on sugar because they can disturb your energy levels.

Studying with friends can be good or bad. If you're practicing formulas, equations, etc. friends can help you understand and remember. But cramming doesn't get better with friends. Infact, they will probably distract you.



If you have good friends, they can motivate you to try hard. For me, I live with my parents and I don't want to get my head chewed off so that's enough motivation for me.



Teaching others can help you learn too! If your friend is asking for help, think of it as an opportunity.

TIP: Yes, there are online communities as well where you can study with other people. I recommend searching Youtube for "study with me" live streams

Don't push yourself too hard. You don't wanna burn out. Do what's best in your ability. I've often pushed myself way too much, only to end up like this:



AND DON'T EAT ANY JUNK FOOD. STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED CRAP. YOUR HEALTH IS VALUABLE. Unless if it's intentional...



Last but not least, get enough sleep. Returns diminish when you're longing for slumber.



And sleeping on your table is a bad idea. Which reminds me...take care of your posture!

TIP: Take power naps. I learned a technique from the interwebs. Drink a cup of coffee and go lie in bed for 30 minutes. It doesn't matter if you sleep or not. After that you'll feel refreshed!

Everyone has to study. Once you put in the effort, your future self will be grateful! So get to it!!!



If you're having trouble studying, asking a friend for help is a good idea. Having an accountability partner can greatly benefit you.

I've compiled a list of of videos you can watch to gain more knowledge regarding this topic.

Ali Abdaal
https://youtu.be/Z-zNHHpXoMM
https://youtu.be/ukLnPbIffxE
https://youtu.be/fDbxPVn02VU
Thomas Frank (He's not your dad)
https://youtu.be/9oWOsocN7qg

TIP: There are countless videos on this topic, but I recommend only watching these. You don't wanna waste time as most videos are talking about the same thing over and over again i.e. active recall, spaced repetition, etc

Let me know what you think! Was this guide helpful? Did you come here after exams are over?

If you passed the exam, CONGRATULATIONS! You have accomplished one of humanity's greatest feats. *high-five*



If you didn't then... well better luck next time. ;w;
(PLEASE DON'T DOWNVOTE lol)

I hate studying! Especially during this pandemic. Online classes suck. Making a consistent routine is really hard. But we know studies are important. Virtual Cottage has been great for me. My focus levels have greatly improved. Let's see if you can also get the 100 hour achievement!

https://psteamproxy.yuanyoumao.com/app/1369320