Exam Season tips: How I survived exams

One week for the start of term 3 and probably anxiety and stress have already reached you. It is normal, we all experience that early or late. I remember I was terrified before my year 1 exams and now in year 2 I feel exactly the same or even worse! I believe the first step to overcoming this period is to recognise we have to work hard. Personally speaking, if you are committed and determined, you can do whatever because as my mum told me since I was 7 years old, “there is no effort unrewarded”

After developing the right mindset, I would say you need to organize your revision sessions. This could be easy or hard depending on your personality, depending on how good or bad you are with time management. during this year, I have been involved in different societies, works and social activities. I was always busy and I am still that way; however, term 3 is the moment to choose the right priorities.

Therefore, the first thing you should do is catch up with all your modules. It is hard but the appropriate time to do it is during the break. I know you would be travelling, meeting friends or enjoying time with your family but you can spend a few hours revising the material. It is always helpful to start as early as possible even though not many do it!

My year 1 term 3 was mostly study sessions days that started early at around 8 am when the oculus opens and ended at around 6 pm, the ideal time to go for a walk, have dinner, and meet some friends. During the days, I had many breaks, some of them involved going to Pret to get a coffee, while others were mostly walking around campus. Breaks are important to re-energize and to keep the motivation. Also, It is a good excuse to enjoy the good weather that has just started. You can also do some picnics either on campus or at Leamington and even study there later on. You will see many students sitting in parks with their laptops.

Another tip is to make study groups or to find the right study partner(s)! I know it can be complicated because sometimes you can end up just talking all day and being complicated unproductive; however, in other cases, seeing your friend(s) focused on revision, can motivate you to do the same plus you can have some nice breaks/lunches with them.

Making some study groups can be useful as you can compare answers to past papers or ask some questions you have about any topic. Also, explaining exercises or concepts to your friends can help you to develop a better understanding!

Moreover, it is important to take care of yourself! you should realize you can’t do everything in one day; that is not how this works. You should go through one step and then to the other. Don’t forget you can always ask for help: from your classmates or one-year above friends, professors, and tutors; no one will judge you and if they do it, they are being hypocrites as all need help at some point.

The final tip is to practice. It can be boring sometimes but it is the best way to reach your goal and if you need motivation you can always reach me. I am a fantastic motivational coach most of the time!

Best of luck with the exams! You’ve got this!