3 time-saving revision tips inspired by Doctor Who

This article was first published in November 2023

The Doctor has travelled time and space for more than 60 years now in Doctor Who, battling aliens and exploring history along with their companions. Going from past to present to future in the blink of an eye, it's safe to say they know a lot about managing time – even if they don't always get it right!

In celebration of the new series of Doctor Who, which launched on April 12 on BBC iPlayer, we've had a think about some time-saving tips you can learn from the show to help you with your homework or revision. Allons-y!

1. We can't always turn back time, so make use of the time you have

It would be amazing if we could hop in a TARDIS and go back to last week to tell our past selves to get started on that revision sooner rather than later… Sadly, we don’t have one! Even if we did, the Doctor would advise against messing with your own timeline, as Rose Tyler had to learn in ‘Father’s Day’ when she saved her dad’s life and created a tear in the space-time continuum.

So, if we can’t change the past, what can we do when we’ve left our revision to the last minute and the exam is looming?

When it comes to last-minute revision, even a little is better than nothing, and it's good to get started as soon as you can. Whatever the reason it got put off, whether it’s procrastination, issues at home or anything else, don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, use that energy to revise!

Try to focus on what’s most helpful to you in the moment. You can remember key points to help during the exam, prioritise a specific topic and learn as much about that as you can, look at previous and mock exams, or whatever else you think will be of the most value to you. Try not to stress too much, and go into the exam with a positive attitude, ready to do the best you can.

And however tempting it is, don’t pull an all-nighter! Getting a good night's sleep is really important for learning!

2. If you don’t know how to start, take it slow and make your environment right for you

The Doctor has regenerated over fourteen times now, and each time they have to start afresh and get to know themself all over again. Sometimes this comes easily to them, but most of the time, the Doctor takes some time to warm up to the new version of themselves and to know what to do next.

If you’re unsure how to get started with your revision, it's good to take it slow like the Doctor. When they regenerated into the Tenth Doctor, they tried out different things and experimented to see what felt right. You can do something similar by trying out different revision techniques like mind maps, flashcards or watching videos, and see what works best for you.

With each new regeneration comes an update in the TARDIS, too. The Doctor knows the importance of being in the right environment. It’s the same for studying, so set up your study space before you start. Make sure the noise levels are okay for you, that you’re sitting comfortably, that there aren't too many distractions around, and that you have all the resources you need like water, snacks and all your books and notes.

3. Don’t lose track of time and let it get out of control

Keeping on top of everything that you have to do can be difficult. Clara Oswald knows this all too well, as she had to balance her adventures with the Doctor across the universe, her dating life, and her job as a teacher at Coal Hill School. Even being friends with a Timelord didn't make managing all of this any easier, as things ultimately spiralled out of her control.

If you’re struggling to keep track of your homework and when to do what, making a weekly plan is a great way to manage it all. Work out which days and times you have available to do your homework, then look at your due dates and plan in what’s due first before the others. Once you've done that, fill in the rest of the time with other pieces of homework you know you need to do. Be prepared to add to the plan as the week goes on, and be realistic about how long you should spend on each piece of work.

If you’ve ever watched Doctor Who, you’ll know that things don’t always go to plan. Try to build a buffer into your plan by aiming to have an assignment done a couple of days before the due date. Then, if something unexpected happens and you can’t complete the assignment by the day you originally planned, you still have time before it needs to be handed in.

If you need support

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.