6 tips for surviving the exam season

MA student Surabhi is here to offer advice on study habits, balancing work and rest and staying motivated this exam season.

Exam season can be a stressful and anxiety-filled time, but it doesn't have to be that way! With the right mindset and study habits, you can crush your exams and (hopefully) get the grades you deserve. Here are six tips to get you through the upcoming exam season. 

Create a (realistic) timetable

A study timetable can help you stay organized and on track. Determine which subjects you need to study, and allocate time blocks for each subject. Be sure to include breaks, meals, and time for socialising. The amount of time you need to study will depend on the subject, your learning style, and how well you know the material. Be realistic about how much time you need to study and plan accordingly. It's important to prioritise difficult subjects that require more time and effort. Schedule more time for these subjects and try to study them during your most productive hours.

Adopt different learning techniques

Passive learning techniques, like re-reading notes or textbooks, are not as effective as active learning techniques, like practising problems or teaching the material to someone else. Flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests are all great tools for reinforcing your understanding of the material. These active learning techniques help you retain the information better and perform better on exams. Incorporating them into your study routine may take more effort and time, but the benefits are well worth it. Next time you find yourself mindlessly re-reading notes, try switching to a more active learning technique and see the difference it can make in your academic performance.

Look after yourself and make sure you're eating and sleeping

A very cliched but important point. During exam season, it's important to prioritise eating and sleeping habits. While it can be tempting to pull all-nighters and rely on caffeine and junk food, this can harm your focus and memory function. Keep fruits or dry fruits as snacking options. Try to do some sort of meal preparation and try to pre-cook your meals on days when your study pressure would be comparatively lower. Try to get at least 6 hours of sleep, especially the night before your exam.

Change your space

During exam season, it's easy to feel stuck and unmotivated when you've been studying in the same environment for extended periods. By simply switching up your surroundings, you can give your brain a boost of stimulation and prevent burnout. A new environment can also help remove distractions and promote a more focused mindset. Something as simple as studying in a different room or coffee shop, or taking a walk outside to clear your head, can make all the difference in boosting your productivity and motivation levels.

Create a study playlist

One way to make studying more enjoyable is to add some of your favourite music to your study routine. Creating a study playlist with songs that make you happy and motivated can be a great way to keep you engaged and energised. Research has shown that listening to music can improve mood and increase focus, making it a useful tool for studying. Some people also prefer listening to classical music instead of songs.

Take regular breaks

I have kept the most important point for the last because I absolutely cannot emphasise enough on the fact that you need to regularly take breaks from all the studying and writing you might have been doing. Studying for long periods of time can be exhausting, so it's important to take breaks. Use this time to do something fun or relaxing, like taking a walk, playing a video game, or watching a funny video. Make time for activities that make you feel good, like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a favourite snack, a movie, or a relaxing bath, after a long study session. This can help you stay motivated and give you something to look forward to.

Hopefully, these tips will come in handy during the exam season. At the end of the day, remember your worth or potential is not defined by the marks you get. You are more than just a number. You got this, and the best of luck for the upcoming exam season!