After 6 PM, I stop everything!

The exam period, often dreaded by students, is a crucial step in academic success. Youssef, a third-year student at Solvay, shares his experience and advice. With a simple yet effective philosophy — work efficiently while keeping time for yourself — he proves that a balance between studying and rest is the key to success.

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Key takeaways

• 📊 Effective planning: 3 to 4 different tasks per day, varying subjects and approaches.
• 🕒 Time management: Taking regular breaks is essential to maintain concentration.
• 🌱 Study/rest balance: Keeping a steady rhythm throughout the entire exam period is crucial.
• 🤔 Deep understanding: Understanding each concept rather than just memorizing.
• 🎓 Importance of consistency: Attending lectures and tutorials reinforces knowledge.
• 🎯 Personal motivation: Keeping your goals in mind helps you stay motivated.
• 💪 Resilience in the face of failure: A setback can be a valuable lesson.

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A methodical and structured approach

From the start of the exam period, Youssef adopts a rigorous organization:

1. List the tasks to complete
2. Spread them across the available time

"I prefer to organize my days with 3 to 4 different tasks, varying the subjects and approaches (theory and practice). This avoids monotony and keeps my concentration up."

A typical day during the exam period

⏰ Wake up at 7:30 AM, start revising at 8 AM. Youssef breaks his work sessions into 4 blocks of 2 hours with regular breaks: 5 minutes every hour and a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes after finishing a task.

But the golden rule?

A deep understanding of the material

For Youssef, success isn't measured by hours spent studying, but by the quality of understanding. 📖

"The best way to learn is to deeply understand each point and be able to explain it to yourself."

His method is based on a simple but effective principle:

• Work on a topic until you've mastered every aspect of it
• Never move on without being sure you've understood everything

An important balance between work and rest

Youssef insists on the importance of not neglecting rest time. 🛋️

"I understand those who study 10 hours a day, but there's a risk of not lasting in the long run. I prefer 6 well-invested hours and keeping my evenings free to relax."

During the semester, he relies on consistency:

"I recommend that first-year students attend every lecture and every tutorial. By doing this, you hear the material a first time during the lecture, a second time during the tutorial, a third time during the exam period, and a fourth time while doing past exams."

His message for you