10 tips for students to survive year 12

1. Get enough sleep

Having the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep each night is proven to improve your learning and performance, and your ability to retain, recall and memorise information.

2. Don’t skip meals

Eat healthy meals throughout the day to fuel your brain, boost energy levels and maintain focus. Studies have shown that hunger can affect attention span and lead to irritability – which could spell trouble for final-year students.

3. Take regular breaks

Making time for outdoor activities and social catchups is proven to help you relax, reset and reboot. You’ll feel far more productive when it’s time to get back to the books.

4. Be organised

More organisation equals less stress. Between diaries, time-management apps, calendars, virtual whiteboards and to-do lists, there are stacks of tools to help you stick to a study schedule, remember assignment due dates, and add structure to your week. Plus, studies show that a clean desk space increases productivity.

5. Don’t cram

Instead, use the Spaced Repetition study technique. According to science, when you space out studying over a longer period, you can remember more information. Introducing time intervals between your study sessions gives your brain a chance to absorb knowledge deep within your long-term memory. Moral of the story? Don’t cram a term’s worth of study in one night.

6. Review your notes

Taking notes during your spaced-out study sessions is pointless if you don’t review, review, review. Checking back on them regularly, reading them out loud, writing them down again and repeating the process will ensure everything you just read, heard, wrote and learnt actually sticks.

7. Study with friends

Science says students who study in groups learn faster. Aside from more motivation and less procrastination, you’ll benefit from fresh perspectives. You’ll be able to talk through topics, quiz each other, compare notes, share study techniques, and fill in gaps in your understanding.

8. Turn your phone off

No, it’s not enough to silence notifications. Research has shown that just having your phone in the room where you’re working reduces cognitive capacity. Your best chance of study success? Turn it off and leave it in another room. Distraction gone; temptation removed.

9. Maintain perspective

Year 12 students, your final year of school is important, but it won’t dictate the rest of your life. Even if you don’t get the ATAR you want, there’s always a way to get to where you want to be.

10. Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to seek clarification, feedback, guidance and advice, whether from a teacher, counsellor, career advisor, friend or family member. And if you need an instant pep talk, see tip 9.