How to Revise If You Hate Revising
Let’s be real — revision can feel like a chore. Some people thrive on neatly organised notes and detailed study schedules, but for others, the idea of sitting down for hours to go over the same material is unbearable. Maybe traditional revision methods don’t work for you, or maybe you struggle to focus and don’t even know where to start. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone.
The good news is that revision doesn’t have to mean reading a textbook on repeat or endlessly rewriting notes. There are plenty of alternative study methods that are engaging, effective, and can even make the process (somewhat) enjoyable. This blog will walk you through some of the best revision techniques for those who struggle with traditional methods.
1. Teach It to Someone Else
One of the best ways to make information stick is to explain it out loud, whether to a friend, a family member, or even your soft toys! If you can teach a concept clearly, it means you truly understand it. Struggling to explain something? That’s a sign you need to revisit that topic. This method is particularly useful for breaking down complex topics and identifying gaps in knowledge.
2. Turn Revision Into a Game
Making revision interactive can help boost engagement and motivation. Some ways to do this include:
Using quiz apps like Quizlet or Anki for quick recall practice.
Competing in revision “battles” with friends — whoever gets the most correct answers wins.
Creating your own Kahoot quizzes to test yourself.
Turning key facts into a song or rhyme to help with memorization.
Gamifying revision can make it feel less like a chore and more like a challenge.
3. Use Active Recall Instead of Passive Reading
Simply rereading notes isn’t enough to make information stick. Active recall forces your brain to retrieve information without looking at your notes. Some effective ways to do this include:
Covering your notes and trying to recall key points from memory.
Answering past paper questions before checking the mark scheme.
Using flashcards where the question is on one side and the answer on the other.
The harder your brain has to work to remember something, the more likely you are to retain it.
4. Make Mind Maps and Visual Notes
If writing long notes doesn’t work for you, try using more visual study methods.
Mind maps help connect ideas and show relationships between concepts.
Diagrams, flowcharts, and doodles can simplify complex information.
Colour coding can help organise information and make it easier to recall.
Even if you’re not particularly artistic, drawing things out in a way that makes sense to you can be a useful revision tool.
5. Try the Blurting Technique
This method forces you to actively recall information and highlight areas you need to work on. The process is simple:
Read a section of your notes.
Close the book and write down everything you can remember.
Check what you missed and go over those points again.
It’s a quick and effective way to reinforce knowledge and pinpoint weaknesses in your understanding.
6. Change Your Study Environment
If you find it hard to concentrate in the same space every day, try switching up your environment. Some options include:
Revising in a library for a more structured atmosphere.
Studying in a coffee shop if background noise helps you focus.
Taking your notes outside for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Even small changes, like moving to a different room or rearranging your desk, can help make revision feel less monotonous.
If you hate revising, the problem isn’t that you’re lazy or bad at studying — it’s that traditional methods don’t work for everyone. Finding a study technique that suits you can make all the difference. Whether that means explaining concepts out loud, using more interactive methods, or changing up your environment, there’s no single "right" way to revise.
The goal isn’t just to pass your exams, but to learn and understand in a way that works for you. Experiment with different approaches, find what helps you stay engaged, and remember that revision doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right methods, you’ll not only retain more information but also feel more confident when exam day comes.