Exam Tips for Students

Making small changes to the way you approach exam time, you’ll be able to keep your GPA and your mental health intact. Remember these tips next time you’re getting ready to sit an exam.

Be Prepared
Avoiding your textbooks is all too easy at the start of a new semester, but beware of leaving everything to the last minute. Dividing your time between uni, work and your social life can be a challenge, but skipping the occasional party will be worth it when you pass your exams with flying colours. The trick is to build effective study habits over time, so you can graduate with good grades and a strong sense of self-discipline.

Start by getting organised well before exam time. Write down assignments, appointments and to-do lists in a journal during the week and review items regularly to stay on track. Rather than cramming the night before your exam, start revising weeks (if not months) in advance.

Find a Designated Study Space
Some students love studying in the library, while others prefer the comfort of their own home. Regardless of your preferred study environment, peace and quiet is key to success at exam time. Revising somewhere loud with lots of distractions is bound to hinder your concentration, so try and find a secluded corner of your own where you won’t be interrupted. You won’t necessarily need complete silence to focus on your studies – in fact, some students find that a little hustle and bustle helps them concentrate. But picking an out-of-the-way spot will help your brain absorb as much information as possible.

UniLodge has a varierty of study areas, so you’ll always have somewhere quiet to hide away with your textbooks.

Ask for Help
If you’re struggling with your study load, consider working with a tutor. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes while at university, but help is available. Most universities provide support services, so you won’t have to go it alone in the lead up to your exams. Tuition sessions offer targeted and intensive learning, giving you a chance to master any content you might be struggling with. 

If you’re unsure of exam procedures, simply contact your lecturer or tutor for clarification. Knowing exactly what you’ll need for your exams and the subjects you’ll be tested on will help you feel better prepared. The sooner you ask for help, the less anxious you’ll feel at exam time.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep 
It may be tempting to pull an all-nighter before sitting an exam, but sleep deprivation can impair your brain’s ability to function properly. Try and go to bed early, so you wake up feeling well-rested and ready to ace your exams. Here are some tips to help you get plenty of rest: 

• Switch off – Put your phone and computer away at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light from electronic devices can mess with your body clock. 
• Avoid caffeine – Drinking too much coffee and energy drinks is a trap many uni students fall into at exam time. Cutting back on stimulants will make it easier to fall asleep. 
• Set a curfew – If you struggle with going to bed on time, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder. 

You’re sure to feel less anxious about your exams after getting a good night’s sleep. 

UniLodge provides the perfect living environment for students to do well at university.

Browse our locations to find your ideal student accommodation today.