With deadlines just around the corner and exam season fast approaching, this time of year can feel overwhelming.

To help you stay on top of the busiest time of year, we’ve put together our top tips for managing exam season stress with Meg, your Academic Experience Officer.

“Have you been tap, tap, tapping away on your keyboard to meet that deadline or you’ve got an upcoming assignment you need to begin? Well, fear not my friends! I have the perfect tips on how to balance your time and still manage to do all the things you enjoy,” Meg shares.

Organising Your Time

We’ve all stayed up too late the night before a deadline to fit in as much revision as possible. Despite the number of students pulling all-nighters in the library before a big exam or deadline, cramming has proven to be relatively ineffective.

Instead of leaving all your studying to the last minute, make a plan of everything you need to get done and create a schedule that you know will work for you.

“Before you start working, make a note of all the things you need to incorporate into the assignment to get the work completed by the deadline. This could be in the form of a timeline, to-do list, planner, or whatever way works best for you,” says Meg.

Take Breaks and Make Time for You

It’s easy to become totally focused on your work and ignore other parts of your normal routine.

Doing little things like making sure you drink plenty of water, going out for a walk, chatting with a friend, and getting enough sleep can make a huge difference in helping you manage stress. For Meg, making time for you during revision is important,

“Make sure you plan regular breaks and do things you enjoy such as reading a book, meeting up with friends, or going for a walk. My favourite things to do to relax and unwind are watching Taskmaster or Matilda and finding the latest snacks. This month my favourite snack has been Cadburdys Pumpkin Patch Cakes!”

Reach Out for Support

Putting additional pressure on yourself to get a certain grade can cause unnecessary stress and make it even harder to focus on the task in front of you.

Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you’re doing your best and that’s the best you can do!

“Don’t suffer in silence if you are struggling with something. Make sure you get the help you need as soon as you can to give you the best chance of being on top form during your assessments,” encourages Meg.

Reach out to a friend or family member for support or contact the LBSU Advice Service for free for non-judgemental, confidential advice and support.

Throughout the year, exam season, and beyond, Meg is here to support students,

“Finally, I just want to wish you the best of luck in your assignments and for the remainder of this term. Just remember I am always here to support you, so please don't hesitate to reach out and drop me an email at m.darroch@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. I would love to hear from you!”

Good luck this assessment season!

LBSU x