Huge congratulations! You’ve made it this far. I was in the same position not long ago, dealing with exams while not really knowing how everything would turn out. If anything, my experience will probably feel quite familiar to you, so if you’re wondering what that stage actually feels like, here’s how it was for me!

Before coming to university, getting through exams felt quite overwhelming; it genuinely felt like everything depended on them. That pressure builds quickly, especially when you’re balancing multiple subjects while trying to meet the grades needed to progress. At the same time, I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to study, and that uncertainty made exams feel even heavier, as if I was being pushed to decide my future before I was ready.

You’ve probably already gone through some difficult moments, but try not to worry! Those are often where the most growth happens, and that was definitely the case for me. I became more disciplined and, more importantly, more aware of how I work best. For example, at first, I didn’t know how to study effectively and thought putting in more hours meant I was doing enough, but that quickly led to burnout. Over time, I realised it wasn’t about how long I studied, but how I studied, focusing on what I didn’t understand, using more active revision techniques, and building routines that were actually sustainable. Managing your time and expectations during exam season is also equally important, it’s easy to feel like you need to be studying all the time, but that mindset can quickly become tiring and unsustainable. I had to learn how to prioritise properly, take breaks without feeling guilty, and accept that not everything would be perfect. That shift not only improved how I approached exams, but also shaped how I handle challenges more generally.

Another thing I realised during exam season is how easy it is to underestimate how much it actually takes to keep going consistently. It’s not just about understanding the content, but about staying focused, managing pressure, and showing up even on days when you don’t feel your best. That’s also why I think getting to this stage really isn’t easy, it takes consistency, effort, and resilience, and you should genuinely be proud of yourself for getting here.

Looking back, getting through exams and everything that came with them wasn’t just about getting through them. It actually gave me the confidence to handle pressure and still perform, and that mindset stayed with me when I started at Manchester.So if you’re feeling uncertain, under pressure, or in the middle of exam season right now, just know that it’s completely normal. It might feel like everything depends on these exams, but they’re only one part of a much bigger journey.

You don’t need to have everything figured out yet. Focus on staying consistent, finding what works for you, and taking things one step at a time. And when you do get here, make the most of every opportunity because the experience goes far beyond just the results!

Written by Cecilia Gisella Suryadi, a current 3rd year BSc Management student.

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