Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s almost the main assessment week so we’re focusing on your exam and assessment preparation to help you feel organised and reduce your stress…
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 your preferred revision strategy – 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 dedicated 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 specialist support available 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 to help you get the best out of your academic work.
POINT THREE: SPEAK WITH OTHER STUDENTS
Need a change of scene, or some time to decompress during your revision? Wellbeing events run regularly each semester, supported by Student Services Staff and the Student Wellbeing Champions
Visit Fancy A Cuppa in firstpoint, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2pm, 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 webpage here!
You can also get involved with Birdwatching walks on campus, the popular Craft and Cuppa club and pop-up wellbeing activities across the university to help you unwind when you need…Find more details regularly on the Wellbeing Events webpage here.
POINT FOUR: LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
It can be hard to fit in enough sleep as a student, however do ensure you get enough sleep! A regular 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, and if you’re on a budget, share tips with other students and our Wellbeing Champions to get the most out of your weekly shop. 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 prioritise your health and remind yourself of the recent Self-Care Week blog posts here which contain a wealth of ideas and guidance on managing your self-care at university – why not subscribe to the blog online so that our top tips and other weekly 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.
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