Exam preparation and stress busting

A little adrenaline may be a good thing when it comes to exam time, but getting seriously stressed only works against you. So what can you do to beat it?

With exams just around the corner, it’s natural to feel more stressed than usual - but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Below we’ve brought together some of the University resources and support to help you manage and prevent stress.  

The Institute for Academic Development hosts online study support and a range of exam preparation workshops: 

The Study Hub - online study support 

Undergraduate study skills workshops  

Wellbeing Workshops 

The Student Counselling Service offers hour-long online sessions to improve your wellbeing, including how to tackle the stress of exams, manage anxiety, limit procrastination, and live with perfectionism.  

Skills for Life and Learning

The University is also providing a workshop on using the concept of ‘flow’ to help you improve your exam performance and maximise your study efficiency.  

Flow your way to exam success: A workshop on Flow learning strategies

Be prepared 

Avoid last-minute panic by making sure you know exactly when and where your exams are this year. Check your timetable and view exam FAQs on our Examinations webpages: 

Examinations 

Step-by-step guide to exam success 

For dealing with exam stress and issues such as procrastination and negative thoughts, see the Student Counselling Service’s guide to exam success: 

Step-by-step guide to exam success 

Or take a look at the exam prep advice on Learn: 

Advice on exam preparation and technique 

Top tips for tackling stress 

• Revise sensibly. Take regular breaks to avoid feeling burnt out.  

• Set realistic goals. And reward yourself when you meet them. 

• Eat healthily. Eating regular, healthy meals will keep your body out of stress-mode and on track. 

• Exercise. Try to exercise regularly, even if it's just walking instead of taking the bus.  

• Make time for relaxing and socialising. Constantly revising without a break can make you feel emotionally and physically drained, so it’s important that you take time to wind down and do something you enjoy.  

• Get enough sleep. If you need to be up early for your exams, gradually change your sleeping patterns over the weeks before so that you've adjusted by exam time.