Coping with exam stress

17/04/2023

Exam stress is a common problem for university students. It can be caused by a number of factors, including the pressure to perform well, the workload, and the fear of failure. Exam stress can have a negative impact on students' health, well-being, and academic performance.

There are a number of things that students can do to cope with exam stress. Here are a few tips:

  • Start revising early. The earlier you start revising, the less pressure you will feel in the lead-up to exams.
  • Create a revision schedule. Break down your revision into manageable chunks and set realistic goals for yourself.
  • Find a quiet place to revise. You need to be able to concentrate when you are revising, so find a place in your accommodation or a University building where you will not be interrupted.
  • Take breaks. Don't try to revise for hours on end. Take regular breaks to get up and move around, or to do something else that you enjoy.
  • Look after yourself Eating healthily and getting enough sleep will help you to feel better and more able to cope with stress. Taking regular exercise can also help relieve stress and improve your mood. Sheffield has lots on green spaces on the doorstep of your student accommodation! 
  • Talk to someone. If you are feeling stressed, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or tutor.
  • Seek professional help. If you are struggling to cope with exam stress, you may need to seek professional help. There are a number of organizations that can provide support, such as the Student Minds website.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. Exam stress is a common problem, and there are a number of things that you can do to cope with it. By following these tips, you can reduce your stress levels and perform your best in your exams.

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

  • Think positive! Take some time to visualize yourself doing well in your exams, yhis can help to boost your confidence and reduce your anxiety.
  • Avoid negative self-talk. It is easy to start thinking negative thoughts when you are stressed, such as "I'm not going to do well" or "I'm going to fail." However, these thoughts are unhelpful and can make you feel even more stressed. Try to replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations, such as "I can do this" or "I'm going to give it my best shot."
  • Reward yourself. When you reach a revision goal, give yourself a small reward. This will help to keep you motivated and on track.

Remember, exam stress is normal! There are however, there are a number of things that you can do to cope with it and hopefully by following these tips, you can reduce your stress levels and perform your best in your exams.