Written by Gloria De Salvo

Exam season can be one of the most stressful times of the year for students. Sometimes it can be hard to find your study groove without getting overwhelmed and anxious. Below are some of the exam tips and tricks I have learned that help me prior, during and post exams. 

Pre Exams: 

Before the exam season I:

• Take some time to go back into my notes, highlight and sticky note important information
  • This helps me review the material
• Read my notes out loud
  • I tend to be an auditory learner, so I retain more information when I hear it
• Make sure I clarify any questions I have about my finals with my professors
  • This way, I know I am on the right track, and feel more confident going into the exam
• Make sure to go grocery shopping to buy study snacks, and enough food to get me through the exam period
  • I know that I won’t want to go when I’m busy studying
• Make a list of self-care ideas
  • When I get overwhelmed, I can sometimes forget what helps me, so having a list can be super helpful
• Find that meal prepping can be really helpful before going into exams
  • This way, I don’t have to worry about what to make for my meals, I just need to heat up what I have already made

During Exams:

Throughout the exam period, I try and maintain a regular sleep schedule and not stay up too late, because I know that drains me out, and can make me more anxious and nervous. If I get anxious while studying or on my way to an exam, I find taking deep breaths and saying a little mantra like “I am going to go and do the best that I can do” really helps. 

The morning of an exam, I get up early to start my day and I do my morning routine, have a filling breakfast and read through my notes for a quick refresher.

When going into an exam I always:

• Bring a water bottle with me
• Bring a fidget toy to help me if I start to get anxious in an exam
• Wear an aromatherapy bracelet with essential oils that help me stay calm

After an exam, I will usually reward myself by getting a coffee and a doughnut. When I get home from an exam, I usually will put on a favourite movie or tv show, light a candle, wrap up cozy in a blanket and take time to relax.

Post Exams: 

Once my exams are completed I will typically:

• Get a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant with some friends 
• Catch up on anything that I haven’t been able to do while studying, like cleaning my apartment or doing laundry
• Let myself sleep in and get the much needed rest my body needs

I sometimes get stressed about getting grades back, so I have to remind myself that I have finished my exams, I did the best I could do, and I am now allowed to relax and enjoy being done.

These are just my tips and they may not be best for everyone. I encourage you to take some time to go through what you can do pre, during and post exams to help you feel confident, and to feel prepared with a plan that is best suited to you.