The majority of people feel nervous when they are revising and taking exams, it is normal to feel this way. There are many things you can do to help you cope, but it is important to recognise if the anxiety is getting too much and preventing you from studying or is affecting your health.
Get Ready
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Be prepared by working out your own revision plan; we are all different and different methods work for different people.
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If there are any personal problems contributing to your anxiety about the exams, let your course team know and submit a deferral.
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Keep it in perspective – there is life beyond revision and exams.
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Learn how to relax – this is an essential life skill, not just for the exam period.
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Think positive! You’ve got this far – why should you fail now?
Where to get more help
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Student Minds website
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Your department - ask your tutors for help if you are struggling with any difficult revision topics or worried about exam technique.
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CLaSS– for information and advice about exam anxiety and coping with stress.
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Speak to your GP if you are worried that exam anxiety is affecting your health.
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If unexpected, serious problems / issues are affecting your exam preparation or occur during the examination period, you may be able to defer. There are strict deadlines to do this - more advice here on this.
Tips
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Make a timetable and try to keep to it.
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Gather all your notes; if anything is unclear research or ask your tutor.
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Don’t panic, just make a start.
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Take frequent breaks - if you are tired, you will not take anything in - think quality not quantity.
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Actively revise
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Don’t just read it, make mind maps or notes (whatever works for you).
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Engaging with the material will help you remember more.
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Use different coloured pens and highlighters for different topics.
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Use past papers to your advantage - they can highlight your areas of weakness plus it will help you know what you are doing have no shocks.
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Group revision sessions can be useful.
Things did not go well as I hoped
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If you fail your exam then it might not mean you have failed your whole course or year. You may be able to re-sit the exam or it may even be a module that can be compensated.
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Speak to your tutor to find out, although the information should be on blackboard. If the room was noisy when you were doing your exam or you were given the wrong room or time or you feel the University made an error in some way then you may have the right to submit an academic appeal.
Effects on Funding
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If you need to repeat part of your course, your student funding may be affected.
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Undergraduate students funded by Student Finance England will normally receive funding for a repeat period of study under the regulations which allow you to receive funding for the ordinary duration of your course plus one year. If you have already used this additional year of funding, you have to show that you had compelling personal reasons for repeating in order to receive funding. You must request that your circumstances are considered and it is at the discretion of Student Finance England as to whether funding can be paid.
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Seek advice from DSU Advice if you are unsure about how many years of funding you have left. We can also help with a compelling personal circumstances request.
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For NHS-funded students, repeat study may be supported up to a maximum period of 12 months at the discretion of NHS Student Bursaries.
Need more help? Get advice and support from DSU Advice
