How to reduce stress during exam season

Stay organized

First, read your syllabuses. In the first few weeks of the term, take the time to properly read the syllabuses, because they exist to guide you throughout the term. They explain the professor’s expectations, provide due dates, and give you an idea of how much time you will need to dedicate to that class.

University is when most people get their first taste of freedom, but when it comes to studying, this freedom becomes more like a burden. When you suddenly have no help from teachers and parents to keep you up to date on your exams and assignments, you quickly learn that organization is key to your success. Organization can be tedious and stressful, so here are the steps to stay organized and reduce stress during exam season.

Second, create an assignment calendar. Whatever method you may use (my preferred tool is Excel), the goal is to have all your deadlines and exam dates in one place. I create a checklist of all my assignments and exams in chronological order of due dates, then I include how much their worth of my final grade and the grade I got (see spreadsheet image). Click the image or the button below to download my study calendar Excel template.

Finally, make weekly to-do lists. When looking at your assignment calendar, it can feel very overwhelming to see everything all at once, so weekly to-do lists help you manage your most important tasks in small batches to reduce your stress.

Everyone has a different study method and knowing how you study will help you manage your stress. Some people prefer getting their work over with, while others wait until the last possible second. No method is better or worse than another. Whatever method helps you retain more information is the best way for you to study.

I am a procrastinator, and there’s nothing wrong with that because I would much rather live my life stress-free followed by a short burst of stress right before the deadline. I thrive under pressure, and unless something is urging me to get my tasks done, they simply won’t get done. My main study method is to reread and rewrite my class notes, and the more I do it, the more the concepts I learn start to sink in. Some people quiz themselves; some do practice tests, and some simply don’t study because they pay attention in class and that is enough for them to get by.

Knowing how you learn and what study methods are most effective for you is a great place to start because it will help you create habits you can follow throughout university.

When I say give yourself a break, I mean literal study breaks but also being empathetic towards yourself. While short breaks while studying are important, knowing your limits and respecting them is even more essential. University is very difficult and different from high school because the standards are much higher while your own personal standards have stayed the same. You quickly learn that an acceptable grade in university is not the same as it was in high school. So, try not to be too hard on yourself and give yourself the chance to adapt and set new realistic expectations to thrive in a new environment.

On the other hand, actual study breaks are also very important. We are made to think, from an early age, that taking breaks is unproductive and lazy, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Breaks help you absorb the materials you just learned, and when you feel you need a break, it’s because you have reached a point where you are no longer retaining information.

Other than taking breaks there are a few easy ways to stay motivated and productive to reduce stress during exam season.

1. Alternate your study materials. If you have multiple assignments and exams to do at once, switch between each one to stay productive. Once you get tired of one task, move on to the next.
2. Join study groups. Now, this doesn’t mean studying with friends because that is never productive. Find groups within your classes with who you can bounce ideas, who you can learn from, and who can help keep you focused.
3. Reward yourself. Little rewards can help you stay motivated. Whether it be with a snack, a break, or even a fun outing after handing in the assignment or exam.

All in all, if you can stay organized, and set goals and realistic expectations for yourself, you will reduce stress during exam season. So, grab your notebooks, and laptops and get to studying. If you need a little pick-me-up or a little help focusing check out my study playlist, also linked to the Spotify button above. Low-fi music always helps me relax and concentrate on my work. Good luck!