Conquering Exam Stress: A Guide to Managing and Excelling in Your University Exams

Exams are a necessary evil of university life and can send shivers down anyone's spine. Here are our ultimate tips for tackling exam stress head-on.

1   Manage expectations

It's common to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well when studying for exams. However, it's important to remember that everyone's definition of success differs. Avoid comparing your progress with your colleagues or worrying about disappointing your mentors. Instead, focus on setting realistic goals and acknowledging and appreciating your achievements and successes. Try practising mindfulness when you feel overwhelmed, as it has proven effective in staying grounded and maintaining a positive mindset. 

2    Seek support 

Remember that you don't have to go through exam stress alone. Many of your colleagues are also experiencing the same challenges. Reach out to friends, family, or classmates for support. Discussing your concerns and sharing your feelings can help counter stress and offer a fresh perspective. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek guidance from teachers, tutors, or academic resources available to you. UCL provides various resources to support the student body, including UCL Student Support and Wellbeing, which offers online counselling and study tips. These resources can provide valuable assistance during this demanding period. The support provided by UCL includes but is not limited to:
Mental Health Support 
Disability Support
Counselling Services
Reporting Misconduct
General Support
Safety and Crime
Self-Care Advice
Academic Support
Urgent Mental Health Crisis Support
Out-of-Hours Support
Concerns About Other Students
Vaccinations
GP Registration
Support for International Students
Students' Union UCL Adviser
Financial Support

Remember, UCL is dedicated to supporting its students in various aspects of their lives. Don't hesitate to utilise these resources and seek help when needed. 

3   Utilise available academic resources

Regarding academic success, UCL offers many resources to support your studies. One valuable resource is the UCL Study Skills Guide, which provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of academic writing, including essays, reviews, dissertations, presentations, references, and exam revision. This resource will provide practical tips and strategies to enhance academic performance and improve writing skills. In addition to this, UCL includes research and statistics courses, providing access to a range of practical techniques for anyone who needs to understand research methods and statistical analyses for research. 

Remember to take full advantage of these academic resources offered by UCL. They support your learning journey and help you excel in your studies. By utilising these resources, you can improve your writing and research skills.

4   Dedicate time for revision

Research has shown that revision improves memory retention and enhances learning. Dedicate regular time to revise each topic, focusing on key concepts, theories, and examples. Practice active recall by testing yourself through quizzes or summarising the material in your own words. Begin by making a list of all the topics covered in the exams. This will give you a clear overview of what needs to be studied and help you prioritise your revision efforts. Gather your lecture notes, reading texts, and any other relevant materials. Utilise effective revision techniques, and experiment with various revision techniques to find what works best for you. These may include creating flashcards, mind maps, or summaries for each topic. Engage in active learning by discussing the material with classmates or teaching it to someone else.