When exam season is approaching, or you are facing your first set of university deadlines, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and apprehensive about what is to come. However, there are so many ways to combat these unwanted stresses around exams and assignments. The most important being that you maintain a good ‘work-life’ balance – ultimately avoiding burnout. Sometimes a good break can actually be more productive and beneficial than studying and revising all day every day!

Time Management 

Time management is the first step to success in my opinion. Once you have received your exam timetable or deadlines, it would be a good idea to either write these down or make a timeline so you can visualise when and how much time you have until each deadline. From this, you can then start to begin mapping out what revision you need to do and most importantly, when. This doesn’t have to be set in stone by all means, however, having a baseline plan for your revision will really help you organise your time around any other non-academic activities you may have. Also, breaking down your revision into smaller chunks will make your goals seem more manageable too – hopefully taking out the stress of questioning your ability to complete all your work in time. In terms of deadlines for essays/coursework, you can follow a similar plan. It might be helpful to break up your essay and plan time for each section according to how long each section will take. A simple time-management plan like this will help you more than you think!

Personal Wellness

As previously mentioned, it is so important to take time for yourself in preparation for exams and deadlines. It is easy to compare yourself to your peers and feel guilty about how much or how little work you may be doing, however taking regular breaks will reduce the likelihood of fatigue and burnout – which no one wants! Simple activities such as going for a walk between study sessions or having an hour off for a lunch break, will give your mind and body some time to recover and relax after a couple hours or so of intense studying. If you find yourself feeling distracted whilst studying, this may be a sign of needing a small break too. Planning non-academic activities for after a study session, such as meeting up with friends, can also be an incentive to study and will increase motivation and sometimes even productivity, whilst also ensuring you maintain a balance between studying and down time. Sleep will also be your best friend! Maximising how much sleep you get will also maximise your ability to study!

Whilst time management and taking breaks aren’t academic tips for exam season and deadlines, looking after your wellbeing in preparation for exams and deadlines is crucial to your academic performance in both. Despite studying 24/7 may seem productive, this can actually increase stress levels and cause burnout before any exams have even taken place – highlighting the importance of maintaining a ‘work-life’ balance.

Written by Kara, a current BSc Geography with International Study student 

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