The semester is drawing to a close and exams are on the horizon. You might start to feel that exam stress building up, but never fear – there are ways to help you keep that stress under control!
The trick is to manage that feeling as early as possible, and we’ve got some great tips to help you thrive this exam period.
- Start NOW (if you haven’t already) – If nothing else, put together a study schedule so you can see the opportunities you have to revise notes, do practice exams, or reflect on feedback from throughout the semester.
- Be aware of your physical health – Challenge yourself to spend the next month or so prioritising physical health as best you can. Reduce screen time not related to study, find ways to move your body each day, do your best to eat fruits and veggies where you can, reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs and try to get a good night’s sleep.
- Vary your study techniques – Try different ways of approaching study, like rewriting notes from memory, doing practice exams or designing a lesson for your study group on a particular topic.
- Learn strategies to calm your nerves – Deep breathing, positive self-talk and progressive muscle relaxation can all help. Spend some time practising these techniques, especially if you think you’ll feel stressed out while you’re in the exam.
- Make time for fun – Taking your mind off studying by meeting up with friends, calling your family, reading or doing something creative can be the reset you need to do your best! You might also like to plan something to look forward to after exams to keep you motivated.
- Start thinking about conversations with your workplace early – What kind of time off or reduction of work hours do you need, and how will you approach your supervisor?
- Seek support – Have you tried these things and still feel overwhelmed? Talk to someone who can help, or find resources online.
It’s normal to feel some level of stress when exams roll around, but it’s always more manageable if you’re prepared.
For more study tips, check out the MyLaTrobe Study Tips Archive.
Help at La Trobe
There are a range of free and confidential wellbeing support services available to you as a La Trobe student, so make the most of them.
Resources
These resources can be helpful to read in your own time: