18 Apps, Tools and Hacks that Will Boost Your Revision Game

Like it or not, exam season is fast approaching, signalling the end of ill-advised jaunts to the pub and the start of an essential period of revision and study. While few students enjoy the pressure of exams, taking time to swot-up and revise ahead of time will make things simpler, and boost the odds of landing marks to be proud of. To help you ace exam season, we’re here with 18 apps, tools and hacks that will boost your revision game. From flashcard apps to revision timetables, these helpful tools and tips offer effective ways to boost your motivation and productivity, so you can get the most from every revision session.

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Quick Links

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We’ve categorised our list by apps, tips and hacks – use the links below to navigate to the section you like the sound of.

• Handy Revision Apps
• Tips for Time Management and Productivity
• Essential Revision Hacks

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Handy Revision Apps

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No longer are students limited to highlighters, Post-it notes and DIY flashcards to aid their revision endeavours. Now, smartphone apps provide an intuitive and effective way to boost knowledge retention, taking the legwork out of revision. Here’s our pick of the best revision apps for university students.

1. SimpleMind+

Mind mapping has long been an effective tool in a student’s revision arsenal, and now you can create mind maps on your phone with the SimpleMind+ app. This easy-to-use app lets you create visual mind maps across multiple platforms, be it your smartphone, tablet or laptop, and share them with friends for simple collaboration. The great thing about SimpleMind+ is that you can create mind maps anywhere – so it’s perfect for last-minute revision on your way to the exam room.

2. AnkiApp

Dozens of flashcard apps are now available for iOS and Android devices, but we like AnkiApp, which lets you create your own study cards or download revision materials from an archive of over 80 million pre-made flashcards, covering all major and niche study topics. The great thing about the app is that it keeps track of your progress when quizzing yourself on a specific subject, so you can see your hard work paying off in real-time.

3. Padlet

Collaborative learning is considered one of the most effective means of revision, so if you’re interested in forming a study group, make sure you sign up to Padlet to supplement your learning and collaboration. This colourful and engaging collaboration app makes it easy to share study materials with peers, so you can create a productive and visual learning space that will boost your retention of info.

4. Adobe Spark Post

Need to memorise an important quote from a famous author? Or, maybe you’re looking to recall a complex maths formula? By making it visual, you stand a better chance of committing it to memory – and that’s where Adobe Spark Post comes in. With this free graphic design app, you can quickly give your study cards a visual makeover, so they’re easier to remember.

5. GoConqr

No matter what type of learner you are, the comprehensive GoConqr app is certain to have a revision platform that can help you hold onto essential information. This dedicated revision tool lets you create quizzes, flowcharts, slides, notes and more on your smartphone, tablet or laptop – for complete control over your revision and learning.

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Tips for Time Management and Productivity

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Below, we offer several time management tips that can help you structure your revision time, so you remain motivated and focused.

6. Create a Revision Timetable

Like all aspects of study, revision should be treated like any paying job, with enough time set aside in your schedule for putting the old grey matter through its paces. Creating a revision timetable will help you structure your study time, so you can juggle revision alongside things such as essay writing and socialising. Be realistic about how much time you can commit to revision, and remember that short, frequent bursts are often more effective than long, draining stints.

7. Take Regular Breaks

Slumping over a textbook for hours on end isn’t the answer to exam cramming. Instead, you should always make time for breaks and get away from your study space. Doing so will clear your head and let things settle in, so you can return feeling productive and focused.

8. Don’t be Ruled by FOMO

As the warmer days of spring approach, it can be easy to get lured from the library and into a beer garden. Just remember that the sunny weather will remain when exam season is over, and there’ll be plenty of time to spend with friends throughout the summer.

9. Learn to Prioritise

Essay or exam revision – which comes first? This will depend on your course and the number of points available for each module. Remember to prioritise your studies without forgoing specific areas. Tools such as Trello are great for creating visual to-do lists, allowing you to order tasks by priority.

10. Reward Yourself for Hitting Revision Goals

Revising for exams is hard work, so you need to feel like there’s some reward at the end of it. Before you start, set targets and goals and promise yourself a treat for hitting them – be it a delicious meal out or a hard-earned pint.

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Essential Revision Hacks

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From the everyday to the unorthodox, sometimes you need to find your own way of revising that promises results. Below, we list useful revision hacks that could work for you:

11. Use Times New Roman to Skim Read Faster

Revising on the computer? Switch the font to Times for faster skim reading.

12. Don’t Revise in the Same Place Every Day

From home to the library to your local park, revising in different places will aid concentration and focus.

13. Make Time for Exercise

Even the gentlest of exercise is proven to boost brain power, so skip the bus and walk to the library instead.

14. Lack of Sleep Ruins Memory – So Get Plenty of It

A graveyard shift in the library might sound like a good idea, but anything you learn probably won’t be there the day after. Get plenty of sleep, and things will stick much easier.

15. Regularly Review What You’ve Learnt

At the start of every new revision session, go back through what you covered last time. This will reinforce your knowledge.

16. Listen to Ambient Music

Ambient music stimulates the brain without being too distracting. Avoid listening to your own music while studying, as this will conjure memories and emotions which could prove a distraction. Spotify has a great mix of ‘Focus’ playlists that are designed to aid study.

17. Draw Diagrams to Memorise Them

A useful one for scientists – if you need to memorise a complex diagram, it’s easy if you draw it out yourself. Then do it again. And again. Until it sticks.

18. Surround Yourself with Focus-Boosting Scent

According to some, particular scents can aid focus and help you retain information more easily. Lemon, peppermint, jasmine and coffee are among the fragrances recognised for their productivity-boosting properties. At aparto, our student homes offer a practical and contemporary space for study, so you can find your flow whether you’re revising or essay writing. Visit the homepage to find out more or contact us today.