8 top tips for surviving your exams

Exam season is probably one of the most stressful times of the year and it’s easy to see why.

With the amount of exams and the pressure of achieving good grades, it can often feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. But this doesn’t have to be the case! We’ve put together a guide of handy top tips to help you survive your exams.

• Organisation is key…

It goes without saying that being organised is essential during your exams, but it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind! Planning your revision is a great way to keep on top of things and allocating a day to revise a specific subject or topic can actually be really beneficial. It may also be a good idea to find a study space that is separate to your relaxing space. This can be easier said than done! Allowing yourself a different workspace away from your bed and TV can actually help you to be more productive and organised. And most importantly, make sure you know where your exam is, when it is and what time it starts!

• A healthy diet is a healthy mind…

Surviving on takeaways during your exams may not be the cleverest of ideas. Your body and mind won’t be able to fully function and you may find it harder to concentrate. Having a well-balanced diet with lots of fruit, veg and water can actually help you perform better in your exams. If you’re not much of a cook, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There are lots of places to eat on campus such as Our Place, Fresh Hope, Eden Café, plus many more.

• Make time for exercise…

Working out can often be the least of your priorities during the hectic exam period, but it may actually be worth considering. Exercise has been proven to help relieve stress and anxiety, and it can even improve your mood. So even if you only work out a couple of times a week, you may feel happier, calmer and have an improved self-image – just what you need during the exam period!

• Don’t forget your friends…

We all need a bit of ‘down time’ to catch up with friends and this shouldn’t be any different during the exam period. The chances are a lot your mates will be studying as well, so an hour in the pub or a walk around the park can really help to recharge your batteries.

• Get your 8 hours…

Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! Allowing yourself at least 8 hours sleep every night helps your brain to fully function the next day; which means your concentration levels will be high and you’ll have even more energy throughout the day. It’s also beneficial to nap during the day to help keep your brain active whilst revising, but make sure your nap isn’t longer than 30 minutes!

• Talk to someone…

If the pressure is getting a bit too much and you feel like you’re drowning in work, it might be time to talk to someone. Speaking to a friend, family member or someone you trust about how you’re feeling can often feel like a weight has been lifted. Everyone knows sitting exams are stressful, so remember that you’re not alone.

• Don’t compare yourself with friends…

It’s the end of an exam, you’re surrounded by your friends and you’re all comparing answers. This frenzied five minutes can quite often lead to self-doubt and you can start to question how well you’ve done. To avoid this dreaded feeling, don’t allow yourself to compare your answers, because the reality is you’ve probably done better than you thought!

• There is life after exams…

Yes, your exams probably are the most important thing in your life right now, but it’s important to remember that the exams won’t last forever. Remember that life goes on after exams!

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