Orals Prep Study Guide - Don't feel overwhelmed this Christmas
Orals Prep Study Guide
No one wants to study over the christmas period, but here's a guide to stay on track whilst still spending time with friends & family.
This isn’t about studying all day, every day. It’s just a simple way to using your time wisely so you don’t come back after the holidays feeling stressed and behind.
Here’s a simple 3‑step guide to making the most of your time.
Step 1: Review and colour‑code the syllabus
Start by reading through the exam syllabus. Then colour‑code each point:
🔴 Red – Stuff you’re not happy with and that needs a lot of work
🟠 Amber/Orange – Stuff you kind of get, but still need to properly study
🟢 Green – Stuff you’re confident with and just need to refresh every now and then
This makes it really clear where your time should be going instead of just guessing what to study.
Try to redo this every 3–5 days. As topics move from red to orange to green, your workload feels way more manageable and you always know what to focus on next.
Step 2: Make a day‑to‑day schedule
Having a rough plan for each day helps you stay disciplined without feeling overwhelmed.
My biggest tip: block out your social time and rest first. Time with friends, family, relaxing, sleeping in — all of that is just as important as studying. Once that’s locked in, fit your study around it.
When everything has a place, it’s easier to actually stick to your plan and enjoy your time off without feeling guilty.
Step 3: Use a 3‑block study routine
Not every hour of the day is the same. Your energy changes, so your study should too. Break your day into three blocks:
Block A: When you’re most productive
This is when you’re switched on and focused.
- Work on the RED syllabus topics
- The stuff you avoid or find the hardest
- Anything that needs real concentration
Get the hard stuff done here.
Block B: When you still have some brain power left
You’re not at 100%, but you’re still functioning.
- Focus on ORANGE topics
- Revision and practice questions
- Anything that takes effort but isn’t totally draining
Block C: Low‑energy / can’t‑be‑bothered mode
This is for when motivation is basically gone.
- Review GREEN topics
- Flashcards, summarise, oral reports
- Summarise subjects you enjoy or find easier
It’s still productive, just way less intense.
Final thoughts
Studying over the holidays doesn’t have to ruin your break. With a simple plan and a bit of structure, you can make progress and still enjoy your time off.
Do a little, do it properly, and you’ll thank yourself later.