Summer exams are around the corner, and it can be a bit of a stressful time and feel overwhelming. As a final year student, I’d like to share some tips on preparing for exams, what I have found most useful and some mistakes to avoid. I will also share some resources, such as the Study Advice website. I recommend making the most of the Library, both online and offline, as well as study groups with friends or others on your course. You can find advice for your studies and exams from the University.
If you are feeling that you are finding it difficult to cope and need help, such as with mental health or other problems, please don’t hesitate to contact Student Support.
Planning Revision
Something that I have found useful is planning what you want to revise and when, and sticking to this guide to ensure I have covered everything. However, it’s important to remember that plans can change, so try to stay flexible and avoid feeling guilty or giving up if things don’t go as expected or take longer than planned – especially as this is often the case and many studies have shown that students underestimate how long assignments or revision will take.
I try to set goals at the start of each day, which makes me feel more motivated. It also feels good to cross something out of my to do list – I feel productive and accomplished when I do that.
I’m trying to focus on what I have planned for the day, as thinking about all the revision I need to do makes me feel too overwhelmed to even begin studying.
Another mistake I believe should be avoided is spending too much time creating a timetable, as there is no way to know exactly how long things will take, and it will hinder getting started and make you feel like there is too much to complete. It’s often more helpful to have a rough guide than to stick to a strict, long-term timetable.
Just get started
As mentioned earlier, setting small daily goals can help you feel a sense of progress and accomplishment, giving you the motivation to keep going and making the workload feel more manageable. For me, getting started is the most difficult thing, so I try not to think about the amount of work I need to do, as this can be discouraging.
So for me, just getting started as soon as I can is the most useful thing. From then on, I have had a better idea of what needs to be done.
I try to avoid distractions, such as my phone, which I put in a different room. However, I always plan small breaks to have something to look forward to and to ensure I move around a bit. I make sure I plan my breaks so that they are really restorative, for instance, taking a walk and going outside, instead of scrolling through my phone or other common distractions, which tends to be unhelpful. On the flipside, I sometimes listen to music or a podcast while I work, as I have found this makes it easier to get started and not think about the large amount of revision I need to complete.
Checking Exam Timetable and Information
Remember to check your personal summer exam timetable on RISIS, which can be found under the ‘Information’ and then ‘Exams Info’ section. You will be able to see the time and date of all your summer exams, as well as the time and duration of each exam. You can also find your anonymous candidate number at the top of the screen.
Other Tips
Remember to take breaks and give yourself treats to relax and not feel too overwhelmed. To relieve stress, try to keep active, go outside and talk to friends or family. Keeping active will take your mind off studying and release endorphins, giving you a natural energy boost.
Make sure you are eating healthily and well, and get enough sleep, as this will improve your concentration and mood. I know it may feel excessive, but I set an alarm for when I need to go to bed and adhere to it, so that I am sure I’m not missing out on sleep. Focusing too much on exams can have a negative impact on your mental health and overall grades. A healthy body and mind, I believe, are one of the most important and effective things to make you feel motivated and able to get through the studying and exams you need to complete. If you are having trouble or need help, don’t hesitate to contact Student Support.
I know revisions, exams and deadlines can feel like a lot, but you’ve got this.