Exam season is so easy – said no university student. With multiple deadlines, it can be difficult to stay motivated and focused on the task at hand. But with planning, positive thinking, and careful time management, you can get through exam season relatively unscathed! Here are our top tips to help you survive exam season.
Get organized
This seems to speak for itself, but make no mistake, there is a way to get organized. Scribbled to-do lists of all the exams and assignments you have coming up and a simple calendar of your next due dates aren’t it.
Taking the time to plan ahead and structure your study periods will help reduce stress down the line. It’s also important to break large tasks into smaller pieces so they don’t seem overwhelming.
Create and prioritize a schedule
List all your reviews and final deliverables, and note their dates, times, and formats. Allow study time for each topic, considering the complexity of the material and your current level of understanding. Identify the most important topics or concepts in each course, focusing on areas where you might need more practice or review. Make sure to include breaks and free time in your schedule to avoid burnout. Try them exam study planner templates from Student Edge to inspire you.
Perfect your study space
Choose a comfortable, well-lit, distraction-free study space. This will help you stay focused and establish a productive routine. Gather all relevant course materials, including lecture notes, textbooks, articles and past exams. Organize these resources by subject and topic for easy access during your study sessions. Think about the best way you study. Do you prefer a clean, empty office with warm lighting and complete silence? Or a cozy blanket and lofi study beats background?
Break down tasks
Once you’re at work, break your study sessions into manageable chunks. Focus on specific topics or concepts during each session. Some great study tools include reciting or rewriting study sheets, taking self-tests, practicing writing formulas, solving practice problems, reproducing concept maps, and creating flashcards. During a study session, plan to complete three different study tools on the same topic. Or you can tackle three topics using the same type of study tool. This will help you retain information more effectively and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Take care of yourself
With all the studying and late nights, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you eat healthy meals, take regular breaks, exercise, and get enough sleep. We’ve all heard it before, but it really increases your focus and energy level when you study.
Get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet
Skipping sleep or meals may seem like a tried-and-true strategy for a student to get more work done, but it’s not. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to ensure your brain has time to consolidate information and recover from the day’s activities. Avoid sleepless nights, as they lead to reduced concentration and memory retention. Fuel your body and mind with nutritious meals and snacks. Choose whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables to maintain energy levels and support cognitive function. Avoid excess caffeine and sugary foods, as they can cause energy dips and disrupt your concentration.
Stay hydrated and exercise regularly
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and mind functioning optimally. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. To integrate physical activity into your daily routine because exercise can improve mood, improve cognitive function, and relieve stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days, such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
Managing stress and asking for help
Practical relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Make time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy and give you a break from studying. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or campus resources for help if you feel overwhelmed. Vancouver Island University offers various support servicesincluding academic advice, counseling and peer tutoring, to help you meet the challenges of exam season.
Be unique and true to yourself
Embrace your individuality and stay true to yourself. This can make a significant difference in your exam survival journey. Each student has unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Develop personalized strategies that maximize your potential. Here are some suggestions to help you embrace your uniqueness during exam season:
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Maximize your learning: Identify your learning style. Are you a visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or reading/writing learner? Adapt your study techniques therefore. For example, if you are a visual learner, try creating mind maps or diagrams to represent information. Auditory learners can benefit from recording and listening to lectures or discussions.
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Personalize your study plan: Rather than following generic study plans or imitating your peers, design a study schedule it suits you best. Consider factors like your attention span, optimal study times, and preferred study environments when developing your plan.
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Leverage your strengths: use Your strengths to your advantage when preparing for exams. For example, if you’re naturally good at problem solving, try answering complex practice questions or creating your own example problems to test your understanding.
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Recognize your limitations: Recognize areas where you might need additional support and ask for help if necessary. Feel free to ask questions, join study groups, or use campus resources like Peer Assisted Learning to overcome challenges.
Samantha Allan is a first generation learner of Indigenous and British ancestry whose roots lie throughout the province of British Columbia. She graduated in June with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, major in management, from VIU. She is currently participating in the joint program of studies in Canadian common law and Indigenous legal orders at the University of Victoria. Her long-term goal is to work in the field of law and economic development.
