The key to being organised is knowing exactly what you've got to do - that means no last-minute surprises, like finding the info for tomorrow's essay screwed up in the bottom of your bag. You'll need a clear idea of exactly how much work you have to do every term/semester, which pieces are assessed (no that doesn't mean you can ditch all the others…) and when they have to be handed in. Get yourself a wall planner and mark all the key dates in advance - this will show when you can really afford a big night boozing and when you have put the do not disturb sign out.

Develop skills that will make studying speedier: how to summarise, how to extract key information from a book, researching on the internet, quicker typing speed etc.

Most university courses are very flexible, with room for your own choice of topics to study. Pick subjects you find interesting or inspiring, this will make essays less of a chore - some people even enjoy them!

Revision
You'll need yourself one positive attitude here people. Repeat after me: "Revision will make exams easier," "Revision is good". Seriously, studying for exams doesn't have to be too painful, try some of our tips.

• Take regular breaks and reward yourself - just walking to the shops for a bar of choccy can revive you enough to tackle a new topic.
  
• Everyone has their own methods of retaining information. Try a few and see what works for you. Mixing it up a bit will stop you getting bored (unless you're revising pure and applied further maths, then we can't promise, sorry…).
  
• Make your own revision notes. You'll learn as you write and once you've got them you're halfway there.
  
• Write and rewrite, condensing as you go so you end up with a series of accurate notes.
  
• Highlight, use colours, symbols, associations, anything that'll get those facts to stick.
• Try putting important points, quotes and formulae on tape. If you hear them and read them, they're more likely to sink in.
  
• Try reading your notes out loud - if your housemates are in, warn them this is what you are doing, they might become concerned…
  
• If you're disciplined, get together with other people on your course to test each other. You know if this works for you or if it's likely to turn, inexplicably, from notes and textbooks to beer and pool in the SU bar.

For more advice:

http://www.support4learning.org.uk/education/study.htm
Suppport4learning's extensive study skills resources

http://www.gold.ac.uk/counselling/exam.html#exam
Revision and exam tips from Goldsmiths College