How to stay focused even when your exams are last

It is a rough feeling. You are still revising while your mates are already out celebrating. The group chats have switched from panic to planning nights out. Campus is starting to empty, and somehow you are meant to stay locked in with your exams.

First of all, if this is you right now, you are not alone! Loads of students at Queen Mary have exams that fall at the end of the timetable. It feels unfair sometimes, but it is completely normal. The key is learning how to keep your focus when the vibes around you have moved on. Here is how to stay in it without feeling like you are missing out.

Remember why you started

It sounds cheesy, but it really helps. By this point, you've put months of work into your course. You owe it to yourself to finish strong! Don't let other people’s timelines distract you from your own personal goals, your exam is just as important as theirs were. So try to focus on yourself and give it your best shot.

Create a mini countdown

When everyone else is finishing, it is easy to feel like time has stopped for you. One way to beat that feeling is to create a mini countdown. Write down how many days you have left until your exam and plan small rewards for yourself after each study day. Chocolate bar? An episode of your favourite show? A short walk in the sun? Make it feel like you are ticking off days and getting closer to your own celebration.

Block out the noise

Literally and mentally. If social media is full of party pics, mute a few group chats for a while. Not in a bitter way, it just means you are smart enough to protect your focus. Find a study playlist, noise-cancelling headphones, or even work in a different spot if your flat has turned into social central. You will get your own turn to celebrate, and it will feel even better because you know you earned it.

Allow yourself breaks

This part is key. When everyone else is in full relaxation mode, it can be tempting to overwork yourself to keep up. Instead, be kind to yourself. Build in proper rest. A good walk, a film, seeing a mate for coffee. You are still allowed to enjoy small parts of your day, and you are not on a punishment schedule. You are just pacing yourself to a slightly later finish line!

Celebrate early wins

Finished a revision topic? Smashed a past exam? Got some great feedback on a piece of coursework? Celebrate it. You deserve to feel proud along the way. Waiting until your exam is over to feel good will make the whole experience miserable. Find moments now that remind you that you are doing a great job.

It is hard when everyone else finishes before you, but it is temporary. Your moment is coming, and it will definitely be worth it. Stay steady, stay focused and be proud of how far you have come. 

You have got this 👊