Surviving the exam period

The blaring sound of my alarm pierced through the tranquil air. I let it ring for a bit then jolted into consciousness as the realisation that it would wake up my roommates hit me. I hastily reached for my phone and switched it off, narrowly avoiding the dire consequences that would otherwise have unfolded. For a brief minute, the temptation to slump back down on my bed and retreat under the covers beckoned to me, calling me to embrace the warmth of the cocoon I had just emerged from. “No. Get up before you fall asleep again…” I told myself.

My old strategy of placing my phone at a distance from my bed and my half-asleep hand reigned undefeated. Rubbing my eyes, I groggily checked the time. 06:05. With a deep sigh, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, preparing myself mentally to face another day in the nightmare that was the exam period.

My day-to-day routine during this time has always looked pretty much the same. Wake up, eat, study, repeat. The only true respite from the monotony was an hour and a half I dedicated (read forced myself) to exercise which varied between going out for a run to a more convenient home workout. Being holed up in your room day in and day out can become incredibly isolating. Throughout the years, however, I have managed to figure out ways to preserve my mental health while remaining as productive as possible (because procrastination still seems to be a stubborn foe on certain occasions). So, without any further ado, here are the secret ingredients to keeping at least part of your sanity intact when the arduous time to prepare for exams comes knocking on your door.

1. Prioritise sleep

The impact that sleep has on our mental and physical health is often underestimated. Many of us often end up sacrificing essential rest to get those few extra hours of studying in. While this might prove useful when you're cramming a few days before your exam, in the long term, it can have detrimental effects on your health. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Sleep allows our brains to consolidate and integrate all the information it has acquired during the day. By ensuring that you receive an adequate amount every night, you not only preserve your cognitive abilities but also sustain the mental clarity required to achieve academic success.

2. Start early and stay organised 

I get it. We’ve all been there. You put off your tasks till the last minute. Then the panic slowly starts to set in as you struggle to get your act together with looming deadlines staring at you dead in the eye. You tell yourself this is going to be the last time you are putting yourself through this but deep down you know it’s a vicious cycle. This is your sign to fight the magnetic pull of procrastination. Get started early on. Pay attention to the lectures (no matter how painful it gets) and take notes, instead of passively listening to the professor. You’ll be able to retain the information much better and it’ll come back to you much more easily when you start revising for your exams.

In addition, making organised to-do lists goes a long way in helping you manage your time more efficiently. Break up your load into smaller more manageable tasks. Not only will it save you a headache every time you think about the things you need to get done, but it will also facilitate a much smoother workflow.

3. Find the perfect spot

Perhaps working at home brings in a lot of distractions. Perhaps seeing people working diligently at a library makes you feel more inspired to get your ‘hustle mode’ on. Whatever the case may be, try and invest the time to figure out where it is that you seem to work at your best.

4. Practice self-care

This includes exercising regularly and eating the right foods. Staying physically active doesn’t only reduce your stress levels and boost memory retention but also improves your overall well-being. Even a 30-minute walk can make a big difference. Moreover, preparing nutritious meals in advance can protect you from the tendency to order fast food when you are short on time. Opting for a more balanced diet is key when it comes to maintaining your energy levels and focus during the exam season. Try to avoid sugary snacks as they can lead to energy crashes and make it more difficult to concentrate for longer periods of time.

5. Reward yourself

Celebrate the little milestones. It doesn't need to be something grand; a simple act like treating yourself to a home-cooked meal or spending quality time with friends can serve as a meaningful reward for your hard work. By acknowledging the small triumphs, you not only feel more motivated to reach your goals but also infuse the whole process with excitement and a sense of fulfilment.

To conclude, I hope you find this article somewhat helpful and that it encourages you to try some of these suggestions out firsthand. If you’d like to learn more about effective learning techniques, sleep hygiene, mindfulness or other well-being topics, check out the CU Point’s event calendar and especially its Fit & Smart Student platform. Remember, however, academic achievements don’t define your worth, so if you attain the grades you want, that’s great! But if not, embrace the fact that you gave your best effort at the moment and try again, having analysed your shortcomings. We are here to learn, and we will undoubtedly make mistakes as we trod upon this rocky path we're trying to pave for ourselves. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you find yourself struggling. This can mean either talking to friends or family or seeking support from a counsellor. For that and so much more, the Carolina Centre is here to throw you a lifeline whenever needed! And above all else, I implore you to be kind to yourself during this time. Wishing you the best on your journey of learning, discovery, and growth!