Exam season at uni always feels like a storm I can’t quite escape. No matter how early I start studying, it seems to hit all at once deadlines, revision, and that constant background hum of stress. It’s the time of year when my desk becomes a permanent fixture of coffee cups, highlighters, and half-open textbooks.
For me, the hardest part isn’t the exams themselves but managing the pressure that comes with them. My mind races with to do lists and worst-case scenarios. I’ve learnt that stress doesn’t just live in your head it shows up in your body too. Sleepless nights, headaches, and constant exhaustion are clear signs that I’m pushing myself too far. When that happens, I’ve learnt to pause rather than power through.
Over time, I’ve found that small, consistent habits make a huge difference. Breaking my study into short, focused sessions helps me retain information without burning out. The Pomodoro technique 25 minutes of study followed by a short break has become my go-to. It keeps me productive but also reminds me to breathe, move, and refocus. I’ve also realised that my brain performs best when I take care of the basics: proper meals, hydration, and at least seven hours of sleep. It’s cliché, but it works.
What’s helped most, though, is shifting my mindset. I’ve stopped treating exams like a test of my worth. They measure what I know, not who I am. When things feel overwhelming, I remind myself that everyone struggles, even if they don’t show it. Talking to friends or accessing uni support services has helped me feel less alone.
Exam stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to control me. By being kinder to myself, planning realistically, and keeping perspective, I’ve learnt that surviving exams isn’t just about studying hard it’s about caring for myself too. And that’s a lesson worth remembering long after the exams are over. Attached is my ling ipa chart I am memorising for my exam.

Sara