By the time you’ve reached the clinical years of your medical education, exams are not a new concept – but it never hurts to have a few hints and tips to get the most out of your cramming.

The Student Advice Service have a whole load of advice for best preparation, and during the exam itself, as well as a Study Skills And Support page.

You might find Cambridge’s  Study Skills Portal useful.

The University Counselling Service offers advice on exams, relaxation, anxiety,insomnia and concentration. They also offer workshops on exam preparation

Top Ten Study tips are also available

• give yourself enough time to prepare
• organise your study space
• use flow-charts or diagrams (or mind maps!)
• practice on old exams
  • (check Medportal for past papers: My home /   My courses /   CX010-11 /   Assessment & Examination /   Assessment Information) 
• explain your answers to others 
• organise study groups with friends
• take regular breaks
• snack on “brain food” (eg http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24829486  or http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=11605103) 
• plan your exam day
• drink plenty of water

and make sure you take time to relax too – just like these baby squirrels….. ahhhh….