Exam season stress; where it comes from and how to cope
By Katie McShane
The calendar creeps forward and seats in the McClay are few and far between; Exam Season is upon us. A black spot in the Uni students calendar these final few months of classes are times full of stress, long all-nighters, and impending doom. Procrastination and heavy workloads run rampant. Surviving this takes skill; enclosed in this article are my favourite tips and tricks to come out of exam season (fairly) unscathed.
Who has time to manage their time?
We all know the average university student has a never ending to do list. From shopping for the perfect Babba outfit to ‘post-leccy’ pints to fitting in those necessary naps. It can be hard to wrap schoolwork around these constraints. However, I can assure you that even the busiest student will be able to manage this with some key time management. It can be easy to leave assignment planning to the very end of the semester, but this choice is soon regrettable once deadlines hit you like a bus. Use your calender to keep track of upcoming dates – a lecturer once advised me to use a physical one so you can see the amount of time in between. Make sure you schedule in enough planning, research, or study time before the big day. Finally, my last point for time management is to be realistic. You aren’t superhuman, it’s important to delegate tasks and focus on the most important. Don’t get burnt out stressing over small tasks, save it for the big stuff!!
Procrastination – the student’s easy fix
We procrastinate because we stress, we stress because we procrastinate. It’s a never-ending cycle. That is the long and short of it. But how do we get around this brain block? I would suggest clearing your workspace, it’s so much more difficult to work when there is clutter around you. Or, if you’re like me and get distracted by just being in your room, find somewhere that focuses you, be it the library, a coffee shop, or even outside. Get some music or white noise going to block out any outside noise, I like to listen to Mario Kart music because in my mind the adrenaline makes me write faster…
Lastly clear your head and ditch perfection. Its horrific staring at an empty ‘Word’ not knowing where to start. Its best to just plunge in, write ANYTHING on the page and if it’s awful you can always edit later, as long as it gets you going.
Find what works for you!
When it comes to tips for exam season, I can preach all I want but at the end of the day we all run on different seasons. It may take some trial and error but eventually you will find the study method or desk set up that works for you. Ask around and try on other people’s routines for size, steal bits and pieces for yourself and eventually you will have your own bespoke exam season routine. First Class Honours here you come!!
Treat yourself!
Whats most important when it comes to assignment deadlines and exam dates isn’t the result in the end, but how you yourself are. If your feeling burnt out and tired don’t feel guilty for resting or taking a break. We work better when well rested (7 hours a night can reduce procrastination) and fully hydrated so start availing of the free water fountains. Take self-care days, buy sweet treats and at the end of it all be happy and proud of your work. All we can do is our best and that looks different for everyone.
I hope these words of not-so-wisdom can be of some use. There are dark and scary times ahead so hold onto that light. The end of the tunnel will soon be upon us – Rag Week and a long summer of craic. Look after yourselves and the very best of luck.
