Study skills
Exam week: a calm study plan
How to use the last 7 days before an exam: what to study, when to stop, and how to sleep.
How to do it
- List every topic and mark it strong, okay or weak.
- Spend most time on weak topics, with short tests, not rereading.
- Do one timed practice session to rehearse the real thing.
- The night before: light review only, then sleep.
Why it works
Sleep helps you keep what you learned during the day. A tired brain recalls less, so an all-nighter usually costs more than it gains.
A day-by-day plan for the last 7 days
- Day 7: list every topic and rate each one strong, okay or weak. Book your study blocks.
- Days 6–4: mornings on weak topics with practice questions; afternoons on okay topics; a short review of recall cards every day.
- Day 3: one timed practice paper under exam conditions. Mark it and list your mistakes.
- Day 2: turn every mistake into a card and fix those gaps. Re-rate your topics.
- Day 1: light review of cards and summary notes only. Pack what you need, check the time and place, and go to bed at your usual time.
- Exam day: a short warm-up with a few easy cards, a proper breakfast, and arrive early.
Mistakes to avoid
- Rereading everything once. It feels thorough but gives little back. Test yourself instead.
- Ignoring the weak topics. Studying what you already know feels good but changes your score least.
- Learning brand-new material the night before. Use the last evening to secure what you know.
- Cutting sleep. Sleep is when the day’s learning is strengthened. Late nights usually cost more than they add.
If you are working shifts
Many nursing students study around placements. Use short 20-minute recall sessions on breaks and travel, save the timed paper for a day off, and protect sleep after night shifts first. If exam week clashes with a demanding run of shifts, talk to your placement lead or personal tutor early.
When stress gets heavy
Some nerves are normal and can help you focus. If stress stops you sleeping or eating, or you feel unable to cope, speak to your university’s student support or wellbeing service, your GP, or a trusted person. A two-minute breathing practice can help in the moment.
Common questions
Is it too late to start a week before?
No. A week of focused recall on your weakest topics can still make a real difference. Start with the topics most likely to come up.
How many hours a day should I study?
Quality matters more than hours. Four to six focused hours with breaks is more useful than ten distracted ones.
Should I study on the morning of the exam?
Only a short, easy warm-up. Cramming new facts that morning tends to raise stress more than marks.
Research behind this guide
- Stickgold, R. (2005). Sleep-dependent memory consolidation. Nature, 437, 1272–1278. doi:10.1038/nature04286
- Roediger, H. L. and Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249–255. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01693.x
- Dunlosky, J. and others (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266