Whether this is your first year at university or your last, exam season can feel overwhelming. We are here to give you some tips to help prepare you to approach each exam with a healthy outlook. This post will focus on practical study tips in the run up to exams, but we have more advice for exam season coming your way, so keep an eye out for other posts from this series!

Set yourself (realistic) goals 

Maybe you’ve got three essays, two exams, and a presentation to get done, so you promise yourself you’ll do two essays today and everything else tomorrow. We’ve all been there, and we all know it doesn’t work. Setting yourself goals is a great way to keep on top of your work, but they should reflect how much work you’re reasonably capable of getting done while also reserving time for yourself. Instead of trying to get all your work done in one go, you can also try setting yourself time limits for each day and using the time left to take care of yourself.

Improve your academic skills 

King's Academic Skills for Learning provides a variety of resources and activities to support you to develop your academic skills, whether you are an undergraduate or a postgraduate taught student. Self-enrol on KEATS and check out the online resources in your own time, including specific assessment-focused modules on Revision and Exams and Understanding Academic Integrity. Online one-to-one academic skills appointmentsare also available year-round and throughout the exam period, which you can book via KEATS. As a King’s student, you can also get access to thousands of high-quality video tutorials with LinkedIn Learning. With this free platform, you can develop a range of transferable skills, from writing to digital literacy, to boost your academic success and employability. 

Short bursts and breaks 

Ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? Try breaking down tasks into small chunks and completing them in short bursts. This can be helpful if you struggle to focus and feel overwhelmed. By setting yourself a small task to complete in a set amount of time, such as 10, 15 or 25 minutes, this helps reduce the feeling of intimidation by the task at hand. We have a whole guide to the Pomodoro Technique, so keep an eye out on our website! 

Talk it through with a friend 

Studies have shown that it can be helpful to regurgitate information you are trying to memorise or understand better. This is even more effective if it is with a fellow student on your course, as they understand the subject at hand. You can both explain subjects you may have difficulty retaining, and even think up better arguments to include in your exams! 

Attend revision sessions, or watch back lectures 

Your lecturers may hold revision sessions before the exam, or post videos online that could help. Make sure you check out the module KEATS pages to find the information available to you that could help. Be sure to reach out to your tutors if you need help.  

Finally, we wish you the best of luck with your exams! If you have been affected by anything mentioned in this article, or need extra support, check out the KCLSU Wellbeing Hub or come and see our friendly KCSLU Advice caseworkers for anything you may need help with including mitigating circumstances.