Remember, remember….

Try not to get too hung up on memorising every single case name and date for exams – as long as you remember the key ones you are most likely to need to illustrate a legal principle. An effective memory recall technique is association. For example, to remember the case of Fisher v Bell you might picture the ‘bell’ on an old-fashioned shop door (as the case concerned a knife on display in a shop window). Linking a simple, clear image to the case in this way makes it much easier to recall quickly.

Mix it up

Use different methods of revision for variety, and to see what’s most effective for you personally. Try making mind maps on different legal topics to test your recall, or make use of flash cards for remembering cases. And for no-nonsense condensed notes by topic, check out our range of revision guides. If you have a long drive or commute, make an audio recording of your notes to play on your journey. Might as well use the time productively!

Turn on, tune in, log out

Remove distractions so that you can focus on your revision. Turn your phone off or use a productivity app if the temptation to check it is too much. Create a comfortable, well-lit and quiet space to revise in, or invest in some noise-cancelling headphones if you’re unable to escape loud housemates or family!

Revision rewards

Plan your revision timetable and set mini-goals for yourself. Reward yourself at each milestone with a small ‘treat’ such as going for a short walk or something else you enjoy. Keep yourself motivated by focusing on the end goal, whether that’s picturing yourself in cap and gown at graduation, or visualising your slick office at a big corporate firm!

Practice makes perfect

Get your hands on as many past papers as you can, and practise under timed conditions. This will prepare you for how much time you can afford to spend planning and writing each answer in the exam. You might be surprised at how quickly three hours can fly by, and running out of time means you may miss out on easy marks.

You do you

Don’t pay attention to where others seem to be with their revision. There will always be students who appear to be streets ahead and have memorised the entire syllabus. Take it with a pinch of salt and just focus on your own revision and agenda. Learning to compartmentalise and focus on your own tasks and goals will set you in good stead in your future legal career! Good luck!