Advice
Struggling to stay focused while revising? You’re not alone! Whether you're looking for AI-powered tools to boost memory, the best apps for planning your revision, or ways to stay focused, we've got you covered. Here's our list of the best revision apps, from flashcard generators to AI research assistants that will help you study smarter, not harder.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know:
- The best AI tools and apps to help you study
- Top revision planning apps to get you organised
- Which apps can help you stay focused and manage exam stress
AI-powered study tools and how they can help with revision
Although getting AI to do all the work for you won’t help in your exams, there are lots of ways AI can supercharge your study sessions. AI tools can personalise learning, create quizzes and study guides, or break down complex topics. Here are some of the best AI tools for studying and ways to use them:
ChatGPT
An AI chatbot that speaks in plain English and can help you understand topics in greater detail. Free for certain features with the option to upgrade to paid if you want access to the latest model. A limitation of ChatGPT is that it can make things up, so it’s essential to fact-check any information it gives you.
How to use ChatGPT for revision:
- Use the voice input option for the Feynman technique – explain a topic to it in simple terms and ask it further questions.
- Ask it to: "explain like I’m 5" to simplify complex topics.
- Create a revision plan: ask it to help you plan a revision timetable using spaced repetition.
NotebookLM
NotebookLM is billed as an AI research assistant. Upload your notes, slides, YouTube links and more to make your personal library. Then create a podcast, study guides and quizzes using only these sources.
How to use NotebookLM for revision:
- Upload your notes, study guides or pages from textbooks and create an AI podcast to learn on the go.
- Ask it to test you on a topic to develop your understanding.
- Summarise key information from long documents, videos or recordings.
📥 Download your free revision guide
Flashcard and quiz apps for studying
Testing yourself is essential if you want to harness the power of active recall for studying. These apps will help you generate flashcards, quizzes and tests to remember more of what you revise:
- Quizlet – Create digital flashcards with games and tests (some features require a paid subscription).
- Knowt – free alternative to Quizlet that converts lessons into notes, summaries and quizzes.
- Gizmo – free AI-powered flashcard and quiz generator that creates multiple test formats.
- Anki – A well-known flashcard generator that uses spaced repetition for long-term memory retention. Limited free daily use.
- Seneca – Free interactive revision guides tailored for GCSE and A-Level students.
Best apps for organisation
- My Study Life – Free planner app for students.
- Google Calendar / Apple Calendar – Free options for scheduling and organising revision, use in tandem with Keep or Reminders.
- Evernote – A premium note-taking and organisation app, limited use for free.
Apps for focus and productivity
- Forest - grow a tree while you study, if you leave the app your tree will die!
- Study Bunny - earn coins during focus sessions to decorate your bunny and its environment.
- Pomodoro - the Pomodoro method is great for focus, the app and website are free to use.
- Opal - an app to block other apps. This is great for focus but is a subscription service.
Apps for reducing stress
- Calm or Headspace - both offer practical exercises, meditations and more for relaxation (BCU students get Headspace for free).
- Spotify - find a LoFi or instrumental playlist to help you relax or stay locked in.
- YouTube - search for videos on calming your nervous system, meditation and reducing exam stress.
Final thoughts
While our attention spans may be getting shorter and shorter, and technology is always trying to pull our focus, there are also amazing opportunities to harness the power of tech for good. While we can’t list every app and AI tool that could help you study, we hope this article has given you a good place to start. Try out some of these tools to find what works best for you, and remember that every student is different. The best app for revision is the one that helps you the most.
