How To Get Motivated For Exams

From the chatter of your flatmates whilst you’re trying to study to the intense urge to binge-watch your favourite comfort series when you should 100% be revising (we get it, we’ve been there, and we don’t judge), staying focused during exams can be extremely difficult with so many distractions around you. But, trust us, obsessing over these stress factors won’t help. So, what will? 

Creating the right environment, having a solid plan, and giving your brain the TLC it needs. With clever concentration hacks and calming rituals, we’re here to help you lock in your focus and feel good during exam season. Whether you're a last-minute crammer or a colour-coded notes kind of person, these student motivation tips will get you through exam season without completely losing the plot.

Study Schedules

First and foremost, creating a study schedule is the most important of our exam study tips. With one of these bad boys in place, you can set aside specific times free from distractions, helping you to concentrate better. Unlike sporadic studying, having a study schedule promotes consistency, which is key for long-term retention and understanding. But, how do you create a study schedule that works for you? 

1. Analyse your learning style - Think about how long you can focus for and what time of the day you’re most productive.
2. Evaluate your commitments - Block out time for classes, jobs, and extracurricular activities. If your calendar seems jam-packed, it’s probably time to cut down on commitments during exam season.
3. Plan your study time - Including your lectures, it’s recommended that you study for about 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, but you can fit these 30 hours around your life.
4. Develop a schedule - Now that you’ve figured out how much time you need to block, you can piece a schedule together like a jigsaw. Ensure you add in some breaks, too, and be realistic, otherwise you could risk losing momentum!
5. Evaluate your study plan & adjust - Your study plan might not go perfectly at first, but the important thing is that you don’t give up. Think about where, when, and why it went wrong, so you can adjust as time goes on.

Break Tasks Into Smaller Goals

Have you ever wondered why you feel so good after checking something off your to-do list? It’s because completing even the smallest of tasks triggers the release of dopamine, creating a positive loop and motivating you to finish more tasks so you can continue feeling that buzz. So, if you want to create a sense of momentum, apply the same concept to your studies and you’ll have more motivation than you’ll know what to do with!

Before the start of each week, set some time to plan what you’ll achieve in each session. Here are some ideas to get you started

• Complete a sub-topic
• Hit a daily word count
• Finish a chapter in your textbook
• Review your lecture notes & summarise key concepts
• Create flashcards
• Complete a practice paper

Whether you prefer a digital or a physical to-do list, you’ll get the same effect. Happy Studying (literally)!

Mix Up Your Environment

Staring at the same four walls every day can zap your focus fast. A simple way to stay motivated is to change up where you study. Try rotating between your room, aparto’s communal study areas, or even a local library or café for a fresh perspective. At aparto, we’ve got dedicated study spaces designed to help you stay on track, with quiet, focused spaces perfect for getting in the zone.

Use Accountability Buddies

If you’re wondering how to get motivated for exams, accountability buddies are your secret weapon. Studying with a friend or group can boost your focus and help you stay on schedule. When someone else is counting on you to turn up and study, it’s much harder to procrastinate. You’ll also benefit from sharing ideas, explaining concepts, and keeping each other in check. 

And let’s not forget the social side; snack breaks, shared stress, and the occasional motivational pep talk can do wonders. If you’re living at aparto, take advantage of the communal study spaces that encourage connection and collaboration. Whether it’s organised group study sessions or impromptu revision hangouts, being part of a supportive community can make all the difference when exam pressure kicks in.

Prioritise Self-Care

Yes, your studies are important, but so is your health: both mental and physical. That’s why you need to prioritise self-care. It’s a crucial component of studying because it directly impacts overall concentration, productivity, and well-being. By prioritising self-care, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your ability to focus, and really reach your full potential. Here are some of our top tips on how to look after your well-being:

1. Get at least 7 hours of sleep

According to the NHS, a healthy adult should get between 7 and 10 hours of sleep every night. While it’s important for overall well-being, it’s even more critical for students as it improves your memory, focus and overall cognitive function: essential for effective learning. With enough sleep, your brain can process and store information learned during the day, making it easier to recall information later. Alongside this, it also improves your attention and concentration, which are vital for soaking up new and revised info. 

2. Get moving!

Exam season can be stressful, so working out is a must. Whether you hit the gym, play on your uni’s sports team, or even just get out of your home for a walk, it reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, and provides a mental break. The on-site gym at our aparto student accommodations is completely free for our residents to use, so if you’re planning to stay with us during your studies, be sure to make the most of it!

3. Eat a balanced diet

Pasta, noodles, and microwave meals are great for quick, cheap dinners and snacks. As much as they are a staple of student life, they’re not offering any nutritional value. Instead, try these brain-boosting foods: 

• Omega-3-rich foods like fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Colourful fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Eggs

4. Make time to relax

Relaxation looks different to everyone. From alone time in your en-suite and taking time out for walks, to catching up with friends in our social spaces and letting your hair down thanks to our elite events calendar, aparto has everything anyone could need to prioritise their self-care needs. And if that’s not enough to convince you, then say hello to our house pets; an instant stress-reliever!

Visualise the Outcome

When motivation dips, try visualising how great it’ll feel once exams are over. Whether it’s heading home for summer, going on that trip you’ve been planning, or just the pure relief of handing in your final paper, keeping your end goal in mind can be a powerful push to stay on track. Imagine the sense of achievement, the freedom, and the celebrations waiting on the other side.

Reward Yourself

Staying motivated can be tough, so don’t forget to reward yourself along the way. Building in small treats like your favourite snack, a quick walk, or some chilled-out social time can help keep your energy and focus up. These little rewards give you something to look forward to and make long study sessions feel worth it. If you’re living at aparto, take advantage of the fun events and communal spaces. From movie nights to pizza parties, there’s always something going on to help you unwind after a productive study session.

Conclusion

It’s not a magical thing that will happen overnight; motivation is something that you’ve got to work on and build up through small actions and the right environment. So, visualise your goals, mix up your environment, and watch your hard work pay off.

Motivation comes more easily when your environment is set up for success. That’s why, at aparto, we offer calm study zones, wellness support, and a community that lifts each other up, especially during exam season.

Want to join the aparto family and make the most of its supportive environment? Book your stay at aparto today.