Exam Season…. helpppp?!

Ok, so its exam season, and you’re stressed (same lol). Exam season at university has so far been so different to how my A-level exam season went. I have less contact hours so I have been able to revise more often but it also means I have had to be so much more disciplined about my revision and study. This blog will be your go-to guide for all the revision and de-stressing tips!

How to get started: Habit

Have you ever had a bad habit that you had tried to stop? Mine was biting my nails and let me tell you I tried EVERYTHING. Painting them, clipping them, sitting on my hands, playing with a stress ball were few of the many things I tried and still none of them worked.

We can use this analogy and apply it to our revision. If we make studying and revising a habit, then it will make the “getting started part” so much easier. To do this, you need to study at the same time everyday and preferably in the same place. I even go as far as to always having a cup of tea and snacks to keep me company. If you are able to do this often enough, studying almost becomes a natural reflex rather than an overwhelming activity that feels to big to even start.

How to keep going: Rewards

If you have got started then you should give yourself a pat on the back. That is the hard part. What we need to do next is keep on going.

There are plenty of ways to do this and not all will work for everyone, however here are a few examples:

• The Pomodoro method: This is where you work for 25 mins, rest for 5 and repeat. When I use this method, I end up studying for less time but taking in twice as much. Personally, this method allows me to really focus in for that time as I know there is a TikTok break imminent hehe.
• Food: If I have a big piece of material that I need to read, I often put a little piece of chocolate or fruit at the end of the page so that I have motivation to finish what I am reading. A lot of material is online nowadays so this can be adapted to a piece of chocolate after x amount of paragraphs.
• People: Do not get me wrong, studying with friends can be dangerous, however if you can find another really committed friend then studying together can work brilliantly for holding each other accountable. I will often tell my friends what I need to get done before we leave so that they can ensure I am always on task. If you are somebody who thinks they will really miss the constant teacher reminders and structure of school, then this is would absolutely work for you.

How to remain sane: Breaks

I know exam season is so important, especially when you are an A-level student. When your university place is on the line, it is so easy to just study and do nothing else. However, you also need to look after yourself and this not only comes in the form of taking time off but ensuring you use that time off wisely.

I schedule in my breaks, like my study sessions so that they become habit, and I work very hard to ensure that I am not even thinking about uni work at this point in time. I often turn off my phone or move away from screens (unless I want to watch Netflix haha) for this reason.

I also like my breaks to be intentional as this makes me feel as if I have actually had time off. When I get distracted it does not make me feel like I have had a break it makes me feel disappointed that I have not done anything. Deciding to completely switch off from studying will make it easier to switch back on again when the break is over.

Of course, any exam is going to feel very important, big and scary but it is great to remember that you are worth more than the number you see on that page on results day! There are always people you can speak to and resits that can be sat if it doesnt go to plan. Just remember… you have options!

Good luck to all those sitting exams this season. We look forward to hopefully meeting you in October.