As the exam period approaches, students across Budapest, including those from METU, BME, ELTE, and Semmelweis University, are gearing up for one of the most intensive parts of the academic year. At Dean's student accommodation, our aim is to provide more than just student housing; we strive to be a place where you can find peace, comfort, and the right atmosphere to prepare for your exams. Here’s a detailed guide and some effective study strategies to help our residents make the most of the winter exam period.

Semmelweis Exam Marathon: get ready from your student accommodation

Exam Period for Years 1-3: 11 Dec 2023 – 20 Dec 2023 and 8 Jan 2024 – 9 Feb 2024

Exam Period for Years 4-5: 11 Dec 2023 – 20 Dec 2023 and 8 Jan 2024 – 2 Feb 2024

Medical exams can be intense, requiring both memorization and understanding:

• Active Learning

Avoid passive reading. Instead, use active learning techniques such as flashcards, which can be easily reviewed in the comfort of your room at our student accommodation.

• Peer Teaching

Teach back what you’ve learned. Explain complex medical concepts to your peers in study sessions, which can reinforce your own understanding and highlight areas that need more review.

Thriving through METU's exam season from your student accommodation

METU Exam Period: 11 December 2023 – 20 January 2024

With METU’s exams spanning over a month, it’s essential to approach your studies with a well-thought-out plan. As a resident of our student accommodation, here's how you can make the most of your environment:

• Create a study plan

Break down your revision into manageable chunks and assign them to specific days. Use the study spaces of our student accommodation to follow through with this plan, ensuring that you have a designated area for each subject. This segmentation of space and subject can help create a strong mental association that can enhance your focus.

• Form study groups with your fellow international students

Leverage the community at our student accommodation. Organize or join study groups in the communal areas for collaborative learning sessions or heads up to our study rooms with whiteboards. This is especially useful for subjects that lend themselves to discussion and require a deeper understanding of complex topics.

Learn for your BME exams at your student accommodation

BME Exam Period – Part 1: 19 Dec 2022 – 23 Dec 2022 – Part 2: 9 Jan 2023 – 27 Jan 2023

BME's two-part exams call for strategic planning. Use the time between the two parts wisely:

• Active rest

Engage in active rest by reviewing your Part 1 performance. This could mean going over feedback on any preliminary exams or self-assessments. Our student accommodation lounge areas are perfect for reflective studying, where you can think about your study strategies and make necessary adjustments.

• Simulated exams

Simulate exam conditions by taking timed practice tests. The quiet atmosphere in our student accommodation is ideal for mock exams, which can be a powerful tool for memory retention and time management.

Long haul at ELTE: sustaining momentum at your student dormitory

ELTE Exam Period: 18 December 2023 (Monday) - 3 February 2024 (Saturday)

The ELTE exam period is notably lengthy. Sustaining study momentum is key:

• Regular reviews

Incorporate regular review sessions into your study routine. This could involve weekly recaps of everything you’ve covered. Our student accommodation’s study rooms are a quiet haven for these intensive review sessions.

• Wellbeing Activities

Don’t forget to take care of your wellbeing. Join in on yoga classes or meditation sessions, or stay active at our student accommodation's own gym to manage stress and maintain mental clarity.

General study tips for the residents of Dean’s student accommodation

No matter your university, these universal tips can help enhance your study efficacy:

• Time Management

Use tools like the Pomodoro Technique to manage your study sessions. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break. This method can help maximize focus and minimize burnout. In your 5-minute break you can hangout with your fellow international students in the lobby of our student accommodation or just get some fresh air on the rooftop terrace.

• Study Tools

Make the most of study apps and online resources. Apps like Quizlet for flashcards or Evernote for note-taking can be incredibly helpful, and with the high-speed Wi-Fi of our student accommodation, these resources are always at your fingertips.

• Stay Active

Physical activity can boost your cognitive performance. Whether it’s a workout in the gym of our student accommodation or a jog around the neighborhood, staying active is vital.

• Nutritional Balance

Maintain a balanced diet. The in-house supermarket at Dean’s student accommodation is perfect for preparing healthy meals that can fuel your brain for those long study hours.

• Restful Sleep

Prioritize sleep, especially before an exam day. Ensure you get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep to help your brain function at its best.

Dean's student accommodation is more than a place to live; it’s a supportive environment designed to help you excel academically. By taking advantage of the unique amenities and services we offer, you can enter your exam period with confidence. Remember, balance is key. Study hard, but also take the time to relax and recharge. We wish all our Dean's student accommodation residents the best of luck during the exam period. Remember, our staff is always here to support you in any way we can!