Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s all about exam and assessment preparation…
Don’t panic about your Exams and Assessments – there are things you can do to reduce the stress and make sure you are well prepared. Let’s get organised…
POINT ONE: MAKE A PLAN
Organisation is the key!
Speak with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and module tutors about revision topics. Find out if there are any practice questions available – getting used to the structure and style will help you to prepare.
Work out what kind of revision works for you – are you a note taker or a reader, do you like highlighters or post it notes, does it help to put things up on the walls or perhaps you can revise with friends in a group?
Take a look at the ‘Examination skills and memory techniques’ study skills page, for top tips for preparation and success.
Set yourself specific revision times and do not leave it to the last minute.
POINT TWO: USE STUDY GUIDES
If you just don’t know where to start, we have lots of useful study guides available on the Study Skills website. These cover topics like essay writing, minimising stress, organisation, taking notes and perhaps most importantly, starting your assignment and what does the question mean? Why not have a look to see if there is anything that could help you.
There is also support from the Academic Writers in Residence, The Centre for Academic English and Skills and from the Academic Liaison Librarians and you can arrange 1:1 sessions with each of these teams.
POINT THREE: SPEAK WITH OTHER STUDENTS
Need a change of scene? Visit Fancy A Cuppa in firstpoint, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2pm. Supported by Student Services Staff and the Student Wellbeing Champions, It’s a chance to meet with others and share tips for keeping well and avoiding stress. They are also joined by Pet’s as Therapy dogs every fortnight, you can check out the dates on the Fancy a Cuppa website!
POINT FOUR: LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Get enough sleep, lack of sleep can have a negative impact on you and make you feel more stressed. Remember to eat well and regularly, memory and mood can be boosted by eating the right foods. Keep yourself hydrated – this will help you feel generally better and can affect your energy levels.
Take a look at the University’s Live Well webpage for tips on how to look after yourself and look out for the “Wellbeing Wednesday” blog posts online here and via your myDay page. They provide a weekly guide on taking care of yourself while you’re studying (why not subscribe to the blog online so that our top tips and useful information arrive straight to your inbox).
POINT FIVE: STUDY HAPPY
Study Happy is a year-round programme of advice and initiatives designed to help you study healthier, happier, and smarter. Find out more from the Study Happy from anywhere video (video 6:28), the Study Happy Resource List, and look out for information about upcoming Study Happy events on the Library Services Instagram or Library Services blog.
firstpoint 