Where to get support and tips to destress

The exam period can be overwhelming. If you're worried about achieving your full potential, struggling to balance studying and your social life, or lacking motivation, just remember that you're not alone. 

It is totally normal to feel like there is a lot of pressure being placed on you during this time, and it becoming a very real obstacle to getting your work done. Your wellbeing comes first - and with some practical tips and seeking further support, you may start to feel like you can get through this (we know you can do it!). 

Where to get exam support

• Your Advisor: Don't hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns about your exams. 
• Your Course Support Officers: You have dedicated student support staff who are there for advice, guidance and signposting to help. Find your School or Institute contact here. 
• The Academic Skills Team: If you feel like you need more advice and guidance on developing your academic and research skills, this is the team to go to. They can help using one-to-one tutorials, workshops and online resources. 
• The Residential Welfare Team: Contact our lovely team who are all about student wellbeing, and also work with other departments at the university to ensure you get the care and support you need. 
• The Advice and Counselling Service: Offer a range of specialist, professional and confidential services to help you with a wide range of issues, including mental health and wellbeing. 
• The Disability and Dyslexia Service: If you need support with your studies and have a specific learning difference, disability, ADHD, autism or are struggling with mental health, our highly skilled team is here to help. You can book an appointment here. 
• Students' Union Academic Advice Service: A free and confidential service that can support with a range of academic issues from denied extenuating circumstances to requests for a review of an exam board decision - simply fill out an advice form to get in touch.

Tips on managing your exam stress

1. Develop good study habits: Use proven study methods like the Pomodoro technique and active recall to do significant chunks of work at a time without sacrificing your whole day. Check out these study tips from our Residential Assistants for more advice. 
2. Avoid doom-scrolling: Apps like Forest - where you can grow your own digital trees whilst avoiding screen time - can help you start a digital detox, focus on your studies and allow you to give more time to yourself. 
3. Give yourself rewards: Spent half an hour studying? Treat yourself to your favourite coffee or sweet treat. If you struggle to get started, this can be a great motivator and can help getting through it that little bit easier. 
4. Think about the bigger picture: When you're in the thick of it, an exam can feel like the end of the world. But it's not! Use the 10-10-10 rule to put things into perspective. Ask yourself, will this matter in 10 days? In 10 months? In 10 years? You are more than a result. 
5. If you start to feel panicky: You need to bring our body back to the room to calm your brain. Use this grounding trick to ease yourself: name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste. Or try box breathing where you inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 and hold for 4 – then repeat until your heart slows. 

It's OK to feel nervous, anxious and panicked during this time, but don't suffer in silence. Reach out, talk to friends and make time for yourself. It will be over before you know it!