Top tips to get through the exams

With just over a week to go until the January exams finish – the end is well and truly in sight.

If you’ve been following the @MLEManchester twitter account, you will have seen our student team has been sharing their top ten tips for surviving the exams.

As well as the top tips they've been sharing on twitter, we’ve been able to get hold of some extra tips, just in case you need a bit more help.

If you’ve still got exams left to go, and you’re struggling with revision – the team had the following tips for you:

• Teach someone else. It’s a good way to spot gaps in your knowledge and the person you’re teaching may ask questions that you might not have previously considered.
• Use coloured pens in your notes. Colour coordination may help you recall a mental picture of your notes.
• Test yourself. Think of some exam questions and answer them without your notes. Don’t be afraid to include questions from the areas you find most challenging.
• Make posters. Use words and facts – rather than writing out whole sentences. Include images that make the poster more memorable.

They also had some great ideas for managing exam stress, which can be a real problem as the exam period comes to an end:

• “Fight or flight” hormones in our body are released when we’re stressed. Physical activity can help combat this by releasing endorphins and returning your body to a relaxed state.
• You’re more prone to stress when you’re tired. Try to distract your brain from worries a few hours before bed by doing some calming activities such as reading a book or having a hot bath.
• Learn to say “no” and prioritise the things that are most important to you. Sticking to the most essential tasks will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Remember to eat right – have proper breakfasts and eat fruits and veg. Fuel your brain as well as your body – no once can think straight on only coffee and chocolate!

As well as these examples of ways you can help yourself, remember that the Library has lots of activities to help you with your wellbeing, from our “Calm your brain and have a croissant” sessions to guided meditation. Further information on all our support options can be found on our Exam Extra webpages.

Finally we’d like to end by sharing this important tip about post-exam blues:

Steer clear of any exam ‘post-mortem’. There’s no point thinking about what your friend wrote for Question 3(b). It’s too late to go back and change your answers, so it will just make you worry even more.

Good luck, and we wish you all the best in your exams.