THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
EXAMS & WELLBEING

Planning and preparing for exams can be a struggle for many. Thankfully there are lots of helpful resources and workshops for you to get a solid plan together to help you conquer your exams.

Looking for a new podcast to listen to on your way home? Check out the library's podcast on 12 tips for successful revision. Bored of scrolling through Facebook? Make use of that time and follow a My Learning Essentials online tutorial on how to manage your revision successfully. And if you want to revise and study more effectively, sign up for an Exam Extra workshop on Wednesday 17 May and learn some top tips to help you with your exams.

It's important for you to go into the exam room knowing exactly what the rules are and what is expected of you. Once you’re in the exam room, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible with no unnecessary distractions at hand.

Read the four step guide to proper exam conduct which tells you what to do with your valuables and belongings, what to do if there’s a problem with your paper, if you need the toilet or if you’re feeling unwell. 

Click here for more exam conduct and regulations guidance, plus information on the process for any disciplinary proceedings brought against students who break the rules. 

Did you know the library has extended its opening hours at some of our site libraries? Are you looking for a way to find a PC more easily? Still searching for your perfect study space? If so, check out Exam Extra.

Exam Extra is back for another exams season and is not to be missed. Whether you're interested in developing your revision skills, want to know how to take a break without losing your space or simply looking to charge or store your laptop – there’s plenty of ways Exam Extra can help support you. Find out more.

Keep in the loop with all things Exam Extra by following the Library on Twitter.

Relieve exam pressure and improve your wellbeing during exams with some great fitness and exercise classes.

Whether you fancy playing dodgeball, challenging your friends at ultimate Frisbee or want to relax with yoga – there's plenty of activities to help you be active. The De-Stress activities are free and will run until 27 May, check out the timetable.

It's a busy time of year and you can probably feel your stress levels rising with the pressures of exams. Learn the best ways to manage your anxiety and stress by going along to some Counselling Service workshops.

The calm your brain and have a croissant workshop will help you start your day off calm, focused and a little less hungry with some healthy breakfast snacks and you’ll have the chance to join other students in a relaxing mindfulness session. These workshops will run every weekday from Monday 15 – Friday 26 May in the AGLC Training Room (-104) from 10 – 11am.

Discover how the Counselling Service can help you manage your stress and anxiety by checking out some helpful online resources, attending special workshops or booking to see a counsellor.

If you're struggling knowing how to cope with your exams or simply want to seek support, there’s plenty of help and pastoral support available.

See if your course has a Peer Support Scheme, Peer Mentoring or PASS, as it’s a great resource to ask questions. If you want to get tips on a specific exam or are searching for advice on how to best manage yourself during the exam period, PASS Leaders and Mentors are ideal people to talk to. Your Academic Adviser is also there to help you in these situations – especially with advice relating to your course.

The Student Support and Advice is another route you can seek academic, financial and wellbeing support from. Drop-in and talk to a member of staff or contact them by phone or email. See how you can seek support: 

If you require further support, the Students’ Union Advice Service and Counselling Service both offer free and confidential appointments for students from Monday – Friday. If you want to talk to someone outside of these times, contact Nightline – a confidential phone and email service. You can find Nightline’s number on the back of your student card. 

During your exams it's important to supercharge your mental and physical health by getting enough sleep, eating well and staying hydrated.

While it may be tempting to do all-nighters at the library and to push through with little sleep, this can actually be more counterproductive than productive. Having a consistent sleeping pattern is one of the most essential things for getting through your studies. Aim for between 8 – 10 hours’ sleep a night.

Keep clear of unhealthy fast-food snacks and opt for the fresher and healthier options. By eating and drinking well, you’ll feed your body with essential vitamins which will help you feel better. 

So instead of grabbing a burger at lunch or another cup of coffee, prepare a nutritious sandwich, fruit salad and bottle of water for a super healthy day. Ease off the caffeine and ditch the sugary drinks, instead opt for herbal teas, de-caff coffee and fruit-infused water.

Watch this video for more tips on staying healthy during your exams.

Do you know which room and building you're going to sitting your exam in? Got your student ID card and enough pens with you?

Ahead of your exams, make sure you know which room and building you’ll be in. Check the campus map and if needed, visit it in person beforehand. Always keep a copy of your exam timetable with you so you know you’re in the right place, at the right time.

The night before your exam make time and create a checklist on your phone or on paper to ensure you’ve got everything you need with you. Check our list of things to do and what to bring with you so you’re all clued up.

And finally...