Five tips and tricks for surviving exam period stress

By Marcia Windsor Waite

Even as a third-year university student on my placement, the thought of going back to university in September and completing my exams scares me. I can practically feel the nerves you get before walking into the exam hall. I, therefore, thought it would be useful to share some of the tips and tricks I use when I am preparing for exams. 

Scheduling 

As simple as it seems, the first tip is scheduling. And the best thing about this is it doesn’t have to be complex at all. I personally like to keep a diary and plan my days but you might prefer lists. During exam season I also find a revision timetable extremely useful, this ensures that I give each module a similar amount of revision time and don’t end up neglecting any areas, it is also a great reminder of when your exams are and how long you have left. 

Prioritising 

Begin with the topics you hate the most or find the hardest. Although it is less stressful to start with topics that you are already familiar with and have a good understanding of already it is better to save these ones till closer to the exam, you don’t want to be stressing yourself out near the exam date. 

This also ensures that you have time to ask for help and dedicate more revision time to those subjects that you still haven’t quite got the hang of. 

Taking breaks 

However important studying is, so are breaks. It is crucial that you incorporate time into your days for breaks, and not just the breaks where you sit on your phone overloading yourself with social media. I am talking about rewarding yourself and giving yourself time for self-care. Whether this is going for a run, a walk or having a pamper evening. This will also help to avoid burnout. 

Staying connected 

It is also important to stay connected whilst you study, whether it’s reading a blog about other students who are in the same position as you or talking to your university friends. You are not alone. 

It is also important to allow yourself some chill time to hang out with friends and take your mind off exam pressure. Watching a film and grabbing a take away is always a nice distraction. 

Healthy eating 

During exam season it is easy to become snack obsessed, however, if you are snacking during your revision make sure you are opting for healthy alternatives. Unhealthy snacks will drain your energy and cause you to become ever more tired, opting for fruits, vegetables and nuts are all great foods that will help power your brain. 

I hope this helped and if you want to find out more tips and tricks check out this link. I wish you the best of luck with your exams! 

About the author: "I am Marcia Windsor Waite, a third-year International Business and Management student who is currently completing my sandwich year. I am working as an Online Marketing Intern at studentjob.co.uk in Amsterdam. As exam seasons is quickly approaching I thought it would be useful to put together some of the 'tips and tricks' I have learnt during my time as a student."