Managing stress during exams is significant for the benefit of your mental health most importantly and also to ensure that you can perform to the best of your ability in your exams. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. University is a challenge which you will overcome! This blog explores how to effectively manage your stress during exams.

Counselling and Wellbeing  
 
The University of Reading Counselling and Wellbeing Team offer free counselling for students. They offer in person and video sessions depending on your preferences. For general information please email counselling@reading.ac.uk or phone 0118 378 4216 (Mon-Fri between 9:00 – 16:00) except during closure days and Bank Holidays.  
 
Sometimes talking to someone about exam stress can be relieving, including external factors such as family life which can contribute to this stress. Do not feel reluctant to use these services provided to you as the university is here to support you. You need to ask for help in order to love yourself so that you can grow and be happy.  

Study Groups  
 
Exam stress can be overwhelming to cope with alone. However, setting up a study group with students on your course can relieve this stress. Many students have strengths in certain aspects of modules which are other students’ weakness and vice versa. Discussing difficult topics together can fill in gaps in your learning which were leaving you stressed. Supporting your fellow students (mutually) is a great approach if you would like to improve your learning. Even being in the presence in others and studying in silence can make you feel less alone.  

Planning and Studying Techniques  
 
Being organised is extremely important when managing exam stress. You need to understand what topics you need to explore in more detail and how much time you need to allocate to this. Focus on content for the exams you have first to avoid last-minute stress. Allocate days in your calendar to cover specific topics to ensure that you are on track.  

However, do not spend too much time studying. Take breaks regularly. For example, you could follow the Pomodoro Technique where you study for twenty-five minutes and take a five-minute break. These intervals of studying can be completed when you are studying for the day. This technique has been extremely effective for myself to ensure that I am not burnt out, studying for four hours with no breaks which I do not advise.  

Academic Tutor Meetings 
 
You may feel stressed because you do not understand your coursework feedback for instance. Feel free to book an appointment with your academic tutor to go over your misunderstandings. They are here to support you so make use of the support and book an appointment with them. We are all learning so be open to constructive feedback which will ultimately help you to improve in the future.  

Nutrition and Exercise  
 
Eat healthy nutritious meals and exercise!  

So many students struggle to study because they are not eating enough meals a day and healthy meals at that. Then, because they are struggling to study they become stressed. When you study, ensure that you are eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Skipping meals will not give you the energy you need to work hard. Make a sandwich, have a salad, eat some fruit (so many students do not eat fruit), and drink water regularly. Nurture your body to nurture your mind. Keep some healthy snacks with you too to keep you going too – I like cashew nuts, apples, and bananas myself.  

Exercise is also important. You do not have to necessarily go to the gym, but even walking a certain amount of steps every day and breathing in some fresh air is great for your heart and mental health. The university campus is so green and there are great spaces such as the Harris Garden to explore! 
 
Therefore, make use of the support available to you from the University of Reading, create your own supportive network, nurture your body and you will get through this!