Surviving The Final Weeks: Your Journey through Exam Season

At this point of the year, you have made it through countless exams, sleepless nights, and intense study sessions, and now you find yourself in the last stretch of exam season. It’s the moment of truth, and the pressure can feel insurmountable. But fear not! In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences and coping strategies to help you conquer the final weeks of exams with resilience and success.

1. Reflecting on the Journey:

As we enter this crucial period, take a moment to reflect on your journey so far. Remember the exams you’ve already conquered and the challenges you’ve overcome. Recognize the growth and progress you’ve made throughout the year; before exam season started, how did you feel about the exams which were upcoming? Now those exams are finished, I am certain you will look back at the exams in a proud way that you did not think could be possible when exams started. Have trust in yourself for the next few exams by reminding yourself about the hard work and resilience you have put in for your previous exams.

2. Balancing Self-Care and Study:

In the midst of exams, it’s easy to neglect self-care, but it’s crucial to find a balance. I remember feeling drained and overwhelmed during past exam seasons. This time, I decided to prioritise self-care. I ensured I got enough sleep each night, ate nutritious meals, and took short breaks for exercise or a walk in nature. This is something that can become lost as exams go by, but this is something that should not be forgotten about. Remind yourself to keep taking care of yourself as the exam season goes on.

3. Harnessing Effective Study Techniques:

After numerous exams, I discovered the study techniques that work best for me. Active recall became my go-to method, as it helped me reinforce concepts and identify gaps in my knowledge. Summarising information in my own words and teaching it to others solidified my understanding. I also found that utilising online tutorials and flashcards helped me retain information more effectively. After you have revised some of your modules, take time to look back and see what revision techniques worked well for you, and what you think you need to work on for future exams. 

4. Celebrating Milestones and Rewards:

As you inch closer to the finish line, it’s important to celebrate milestones along the way. Recognize and reward yourself for each achievement, such as after completing an exam, treat yourself to something you enjoy—a favourite snack, a movie night, or spending time with friends. These rewards act as motivation and remind you of the progress you’ve made. Exams are not light work and you should not feel guilty for rewarding yourself after completing one. 

As you face the last few weeks of exam season, let’s remember the lessons we’ve learned from previous exams and the resilience you have developed. The finish line is within reach, keep pushing forward. Best of luck with your future exams, you’ve got this!