
How to Make IB Revision Fun: 6 Expert Ways
Learn 6 expert ways to make IB revision fun and less tedious! Get essential revision tips on study spaces, snacks, playlists, and study buddies to ace your exams.
6 Ways to Make Revision Fun
Revision is one of my least favorite words. Even a casual mention of it makes me shudder. It always reminds me of dull, repetitive work with little room for fun. This doesn’t have to be the case though! Below I’ve listed my top 6 ideas on how to make revision (a bit more) fun. Enjoy!
1. Create the perfect study space
Nothing makes revision worse than sitting in a cold, grey room. Instead, try and create a study ‘haven’ for yourself. String up some fairy lights, get some fun desk lamps and find the comfiest chair possible. Having a nice space to study means that even the most boring of topics becomes bearable.
2. Find some fun stationery
As lame as it may sound, nothing puts you in the mood to revise like some fantastic stationery. It’s like when you get new clothes and you just have to wear them; if you get some great flashcard paper then you’ll be keen to make some! Use revision as an excuse to grab some great pens and jazz up your pencil case.
3. Perfect your study playlist
Sometimes when you are revising something incredibly dull you need a cracking soundtrack to keep you going. My personal favorites include the Independent Ladies playlist on spotify and the Lord of the Rings definitive soundtrack (no judgment please). You can also sit down with your friends and create a personalized playlist that you can all listen to when you are studying. That way, when you listen, it will remind you of (slightly) better times!
4. Invest in some study snacks
Studying makes you hungry. Fact. There is nothing worse, therefore than going to your fridge and finding only moldy cheese and bread to snack on. Investing in some fun and satisfying food can make all the difference (especially if it is also super nutritious). Check out this article which lists some great snacks you can whip up in a flash. (I cannot get over how amazing these Nutella energy bites look!)
5. Find yourself a study buddy
One of the worst parts of revision is being on your own. When I am on study leave I genuinely crave human interaction. A great solution to this can be to join forces with one of your friends and start studying together. I would recommend going somewhere where you can’t actually talk like your school library. That way you can focus on your work but also have a friend to chat to when you’re bored!
(Accurate depiction of me and my bff strolling into the library)
6. Take a break
No one can study for hours on end. Trust me. Your brain will just become a droopy mess that understands nothing. Make sure you are building in some time in your day to do something actually fun. This could be a trip to the gym, a walk in the park or just a cup of tea with your friend. Revision can sometimes seem like a never-ending cycle, but these little moments of solace help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
(This could be you running away from your revision woes, just saying…)

We’re the Lanterna Team — a group of 600+ IB expert tutors, ranging from 45/45 IB graduates to IB teachers with 30+ years of teaching and examiner experience.
For over 20 years, we’ve supported tens of thousands IB students worldwide with one clear focus: making high achievement feel more doable. Our team of experienced tutors have come together to combine their deep curriculum knowledge with practical strategies that are proven to work.
Whether you’re building strong foundations in DP1, pushing for a final stretch in DP2, or looking for clarity on what to prioritise, we’re here to help you study smarter, stay confident, and get results.
Why Lanterna?
Revision doesn't have to be dull! As our guide suggests, personalising your study space, using fun stationery, creating a motivating playlist, and having delicious snacks can transform your experience. Incorporating regular, enjoyable breaks and even finding a study buddy can also make the process much more engaging and effective.
A well-designed study space can significantly impact your motivation and focus. As highlighted in our guide, a comfortable, inspiring environment with good lighting and minimal distractions helps make even the most challenging topics more bearable. It signals to your brain that it's time to concentrate, improving your productivity.
Absolutely! Our guide recommends perfecting a study playlist to keep you motivated, especially during tedious tasks. Similarly, investing in fun and nutritious snacks can fuel your brain and prevent hunger from distracting you. The key is to find what works best for your concentration without becoming a distraction itself.
Taking regular breaks is crucial for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Our guide emphasizes that no one can study for hours on end effectively. Short, intentional breaks (e.g., 5-10 minutes every hour) to do something enjoyable like stretching, walking, or having a cup of tea can refresh your mind and improve overall retention.
Both approaches have merits! As our guide suggests, a study buddy can provide motivation and a sense of camaraderie, especially when studying in a quiet environment like a library. However, individual study is also essential for deep understanding and self-assessment. A balanced approach, combining both, often works best.
Lanterna's expert tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB themselves, can provide personalised guidance on effective revision techniques for your specific subjects. They can help you identify your learning style, create tailored study plans, and master time management, ensuring your revision is efficient and targeted for success.
Absolutely. Lanterna has over 600 expert IB tutors covering all subjects at both Standard and Higher Level. Whether you need help with complex concepts in Maths AA HL, essay writing for English Lit, or understanding scientific principles for Biology, our tutors can provide targeted support to boost your revision and confidence.
The Lanterna free IB consultation is a no-pressure, 20-30 minute chat with one of our experienced IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to give you clarity on your current situation, whether you're a student or parent, and help you understand what steps you need to take next in your IB journey.
Yes, the Lanterna IB consultation is absolutely free, with no obligation to purchase tutoring. Our goal is to provide valuable guidance and a personalised plan to help you succeed in the IB. You'll walk away with clear priorities and next steps, backed by our team's extensive experience, without any commitment.
Our Student Success Experts are highly knowledgeable professionals with deep experience in the IB Diploma Programme. They understand the challenges students face and are skilled at helping families identify key areas for improvement, clarify doubts, and develop effective strategies for academic success and reduced stress.
More free resources
.png)
IB Stress Survival Guide
Beat IB stress and burnout with expert techniques. This guide covers time management, effective revision, and mindfulness habits to help you stay calm, focused, and ace your exams.

The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your IB Mock Exams
Ace your IB Mock Exams with this free, ultimate guide. Learn expert strategies to prepare effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your predicted grades.

Last-Minute IB Exam Tips
Master the final days before your IB exams! Get essential last-minute exam tips: what to do and what to avoid (sleep, not cramming new content). from IB 40+ grads.

IB Stress & Burnout Survival Guide
IB Stress & Burnout Survival Guide: Essential habits and support for parents. Learn to recognize stress indicators (sleep changes, withdrawal) and find healthy coping strategies.

Best Free IB Revision Apps to Boost Your Studying
Boost your IB revision with the best free apps and expert revision tips. Learn which study tools high-scoring IB students use to ace their exams.

How to Boost Your IB Score with Marginal Gains
Boost your IB score using the marginal gains concept. Learn expert revision tips and practical strategies to improve every component of your IB Diploma.

How to Master IB Revision: Key Skills and Strategies
Master your IB revision: Learn key skills and strategies, from setting goals and creating effective timetables to specialized revision tips for content and concept-heavy subjects.

Smart Strategies: Complete Guide to IB Hacks
Unlock the best IB hacks for your diploma. Learn smart strategies for CAS, perfecting your Internal Assessments (IA grading), revision tips, and acing your exams.
Professional Support for the Final Push
GRADUATES
TEACHERS
EXAMINERS
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Stockholm based, supporting students worldwide. We are IB experts committed to achieving your academic goals.
ABOUT US