Smash Your Revision: The Best Tools for Gen Z Learners (That Aren’t Just Books & Highlighters!)

Hey everyone,

If you’re deep in revision mode right now, I totally get it—exams are stressful, and it can feel like there’s so much to get through. But let’s be real, the old-school “read your notes, highlight everything, and hope for the best” method isn’t cutting it anymore.

As someone who ditched the traditional route and went straight into an apprenticeship, I had to learn how to study smarter, not harder. Luckily, there are loads of great tools out there that actually work for how Gen Z learns best—fast, interactive, and (let’s be honest) on our phones.

So, if you’re looking for revision hacks that actually help, here are the tools that worked for me:

📱 1. Notion – The Ultimate Digital Organiser
Forget messy revision notes—Notion is like having a superpowered notebook on your phone or laptop. You can create to-do lists, revision schedules, and even track your progress with different topics. I used it to break down big subjects into smaller, manageable chunks (because staring at a massive syllabus is overwhelming).
🔥 Bonus tip: There are loads of free Notion templates for students—just search for them online!

🎧 2. Anki – Flashcards That Actually Work
If you struggle to remember key facts (like me), Anki is a game-changer. It uses spaced repetition, meaning it shows you things just before you forget them, so they stick in your brain for longer. I used this to memorise key terms for my apprenticeship exams, and it made a huge difference.
🔥 Bonus tip: You can find free decks already made for your subjects or create your own.

🎤 3. Speechify – Turn Your Notes into a Podcast
Reading pages and pages of notes can get boring. Speechify lets you turn any text into an audiobook-style recording, so you can listen to your revision notes while walking, at the gym, or even before bed.
🔥 Bonus tip: Change the voice to something fun—it keeps you engaged!

🧑‍💻 4. YouTube & TikTok (But Make It Educational)
Let’s be honest—we’re all scrolling through TikTok anyway, so why not make it productive? Channels like Ali Abdaal, Eve Bennett, and UnJaded Jade give amazing study tips, while TikTok creators break down complex topics in short, engaging videos. I used these alongside my apprenticeship training and it made learning feel way less daunting.
🔥 Bonus tip: Search for “exam hacks” or “study with me” on TikTok for motivation.

⏳ 5. Pomodoro Timers – Study Smarter, Not Longer
Long revision sessions are exhausting. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) keeps you focused without burnout. Apps like Forest or Focus Keeper help you stay on track.

🔥 Bonus tip: If you use Forest, you grow a little tree every time you complete a session—pretty cool, right?

🎯 What’s Next?

If you’re revising right now and thinking about what’s next, don’t forget—university isn’t the only option. I chose an apprenticeship, and it’s honestly been the best decision I’ve made. You can earn while you learn, get real work experience, and still qualify in your chosen career.

If that sounds interesting, check out Apprenticeships.co.uk—there are loads of opportunities for school leavers across different industries.

Good luck with your exams—you’ve got this.