With summer exam season looming, and for those third years possibly your last set of exams, the pressure is beginning to mount up. For many people exams can bring extreme stress and anxiety which consequently affects their performance. This article features advice from Swansea University students on how to remain positive, even after disappointing results, and show that it’s not all doom and gloom.
“I have overcome many bad exam results, some of which were even below 40%. I have accepted the fact that I just can’t perform under that kind of pressure, no matter how hard I’ve worked. Understanding my weaknesses allows me to be calmer and collected during exam season. To make up for my expected bad exam results, I try to over-perform on assignments and practicals.”
“In second year I experienced great difficulty in settling in to university life, which had a negative impact on my January exam results and coursework. However, I was granted extenuating circumstances for one piece which I have just re-submitted and it has taken the pressure off me to perform exceptionally this semester; however I am putting more effort in than previously! My main point is if you feel you’re not coping, go and visit the Wellbeing Centre on Singleton and don’t be afraid to speak to your personal tutor as they can help you.”
“I got a third in piece of coursework, at the time I was really upset but I reminded myself that one bad grade doesn’t mean I’m not smart and not capable of getting a good degree. I also chilled out for a few days and let my friends cheer me up. Then when my next piece of work came along, I wasn’t stressed and I looked at my task calmly and productively.”
What I do to manage exam season stress
Don’t think negatively: don’t go with the attitude “oh well I don’t enjoy or care about the module.” Still try hard as it will ultimately help with your overall grade.
Start early, don’t procrastinate: I find this causes great stress and can affect your performance.
Find a technique that suits you: we’re all different and don’t be embarrassed to try a slightly unusual technique – for example I recite my notes aloud!
Revise in short bursts: revising for hours will be ineffective if you’re not fully engaged (you can go for hours looking at a book but not learning anything!)
by Olivia Rogers
