How to Start Revising & Where to Begin

Staring at a pile of notes, textbooks, and past papers can feel overwhelming. Which subject do you tackle first? Which topics need attention? Should you make a plan or just dive in?

Kick-starting revision doesn't have to be complicated. You just need a simple, clear method to break through that initial barrier. This guide will show you how to start revising, build momentum, and create a revision routine that actually works.

Key Takeaways

• Start small with just one topic or even 2 minutes of revision to break the barrier.

• Get clear on what you need to revise by gathering your syllabus and subject lists.

• Create a simple, flexible plan that focuses on the next few days, not the entire term.

• Build a habit through short, regular revision sessions rather than marathon cramming.

Why Starting Revision Feels So Hard

Many students struggle to begin revision for completely understandable reasons. The sheer volume of content can feel overwhelming. And, when you've got months of work across multiple subjects, your brain doesn't know where to focus first. 

It's not about laziness or lack of motivation. Sometimes, perfectionism stops students in their tracks. You might think, "I need the perfect plan" or "I need a full day to start properly." This all-or-nothing thinking means you never actually begin.

Not knowing what to revise creates decision paralysis. Without a clear picture of what you need to cover, every choice feels risky.

Fear of failure also plays a role. Studies show that procrastination can be linked to anxiety (opens in a new tab), rather than poor time management. Starting revision means confronting what you don't know yet, and that can feel scary. However, once you take that first step, things become easier.

Here’s a quick summary of the steps you can take to kick-start your revision.

Step 1: Get Clear on What You Need to Revise

Before you can start revising, you need to know what "revising" actually means for your exams.

Gather your exam specifications for each subject. These list every topic that could appear in your exams. You can usually find them on your exam board's website or ask your teachers for copies.

Make a list of all your subjects and the major topics within each one. Don't worry about perfection here. Just write down what you can remember from lessons.

Check your class notes, textbooks, and any revision guides you have. Cross-reference these against your syllabus to spot any gaps.

Ask yourself: 

• Which topics do I feel confident about? 

• Which ones make me panic?  (opens in a new tab)

This clarity step might take 30 minutes to an hour, but it's time well spent. You can't start a journey without knowing your destination.

Step 2: Choose Just One Topic to Start With

It’s important to realise that you don't need to tackle everything at once. You just need to choose one single topic.

Pick something manageable. Maybe it's a topic you already understand quite well, which will give you a confidence boost. Or perhaps it's something that's coming up in your next lesson, making it immediately useful.

The topic should be small enough to cover in one revision session. For example, instead of "Biology," choose "photosynthesis" or "cell structure."

Don't agonise over this choice. The perfect topic doesn't exist. Any topic you choose is better than no topic at all. When you’re ready, write it down. Seeing "I'm going to revise photosynthesis today" is far less scary than "I need to revise everything."

This single-topic approach breaks the barrier between thinking about revision and actually doing it.

Step 3: Use the 2-Minute Rule to Get Started

The 2-minute rule is simple: commit to just 2 minutes of revision. That's it. Tell yourself you only need to revise for 2 minutes. Set a timer if it helps. This low commitment makes it almost impossible to say no.

Ask yourself: 

• What can you do in 2 minutes? 

  • Read through one page of notes. 

  • Watch a short video explanation. 

  • Look at three flashcards. 

  • Answer a couple of quick questions.

Once you begin, you'll often find yourself continuing naturally beyond those initial 2 minutes.

Other low-committal ways to start include: 

• Reviewing a mind map

• Listening to a revision podcast whilst tidying your room

• Organising your notes by topic

The goal isn't to complete your entire revision in 2 minutes. It's to overcome the resistance to starting. Momentum builds from there.

Step 4: Create a Simple Revision Plan

Once you've started revising, you'll need a basic plan to keep you on track. Try to keep it simple.

• Open a calendar, planner, or even just a piece of paper. 

  • Write down the next 3-7 days.

• Look at your list of topics from Step 1. 

  • Assign one or two topics to each day. Be realistic about how much you can cover.

• Don't plan too far ahead. 

  • Planning the entire term often leads to overwhelming charts that you abandon after a week. 

• Build in flexibility.

  •  If something takes longer than expected or life gets busy, your plan should bend, not break.

• Include specific times if that helps you. 

  • For example, "Tuesday 4pm - revise photosynthesis" is more actionable than "Tuesday - Biology."

Remember, you can always adjust your plan as you go. It's a guide, not a contract.

Step 5: Set Up Your Space and Tools

Your environment matters more than you might think. A proper setup can boost motivation and keep you studying longer. Our article on creating the perfect study space has more detail, but here are some key steps you can take to make your revision surroundings more productive.

1. Find a dedicated revision space. This could be your desk, the kitchen table, or a quiet corner of the library. The key is that it's associated with focused work, not relaxation.

2. Clear the space of distractions. Put your phone in another room or use an app blocker, and close unnecessary tabs on your computer.

3. Gather everything you need before you sit down. This includes your notes, textbooks, highlighters, pens, flashcards, and any past papers you're using.

4. Make sure you're comfortable but alert. Good lighting reduces eye strain and a comfortable chair helps you focus. Make yourself a drink before you start revising, so you won't need to get up constantly.

5. Some students find background noise helpful. (opens in a new tab)Experiment to see what works for you.

The goal is to eliminate all the small obstacles that might give you an excuse to stop revising.

Step 6: Track Your Progress to Stay Motivated

Seeing your progress builds momentum and keeps you going when revision feels tough.

Create a simple tracking system. This could be: 

• A checklist of topics

• A visual topic map you colour in

• A chart showing completed sessions

Tick off each topic as you finish revising it. That small action releases a hit of accomplishment that motivates you to continue.

Instead of tracking topics, some students prefer tracking time. Recording "30 minutes of Chemistry" gives you concrete proof of your effort. This can be a real morale booster and help maintain your revision focus.

You could even take photos of your progress tracker. When you're feeling discouraged, looking back at how much you've already covered can reignite your motivation.

Step 7: Build the Habit

Consistency beats intensity every single time when it comes to revision. Short, regular revision sessions work better than occasional marathon cramming. (opens in a new tab)You should aim for 20-30 minute revision blocks when you're starting out. This feels manageable and helps you avoid burnout. Find out more about building consistency by reading our comprehensive guide to blocked practice revision.

Try to revise at the same time each day if possible. Habits form more easily when tied to consistent cues. "After dinner, I revise for 30 minutes" becomes automatic over time. The Pomodoro Technique - 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break - works well for many students.

Don't aim for perfection. Some days you'll revise for an hour; other days you'll manage 10 minutes. Both count. Both move you forward. The habit of sitting down to revise regularly is more valuable than any single long study session. You're training your brain to expect and accept revision as part of your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to start revising?

The best time to start revising is now! That might sound like a cop-out answer, but it's true.

Ideally, you'd start revising several months before your exams to allow time for proper coverage of all topics.

However, if your exams are closer, don't panic. Starting late is always better than not starting at all. You can still make significant progress in a shorter timeframe by prioritising effectively.

What if I've left it too late to revise everything?

First, take a deep breath. You're not alone - many students find themselves in this position. Focus on prioritisation. You can't revise everything, so concentrate on high-value topics. These are areas that appear frequently in exams or carry more marks.

Work with what you've got. Use Save My Exams’ topic-by-topic revision notes, past papers, and flashcards, to quickly cover key content without wading through entire textbooks.

Should I start with my strongest or weakest subjects?

This depends on your goals and personality.

Starting with your strongest subject builds confidence and momentum. You'll feel capable and motivated, making it easier to tackle harder subjects later. This approach works well if you struggle with procrastination. Starting with your weakest subject tackles your biggest problem first.  (opens in a new tab)

A balanced approach works for many students: alternate between stronger and weaker subjects. This keeps revision engaging whilst ensuring you don't neglect problem areas.

Revise with Save My Exams

Starting revision is genuinely the hardest part. Once you've taken that first step - chosen that first topic, opened those first notes, completed those first 2 minutes - everything else flows more naturally.

And, Save My Exams is here to help you every step of the way. Our teacher-written resources pinpoint exactly what to revise, help you identify your weak points, and show you how to improve - so you can walk into your exams confident and prepared.

Take one small action. Just one. And start your revision today.

References

Psychology Today - How to Recognize Anxiety-Induced Procrastination (opens in a new tab)