How I manage study stress at university
Real tips from a final-year student on staying organised, looking after yourself, and managing study stress during busy exam seasons.
Struggling with essay and exam stress? As a third‑year Politics and International Relations student juggling a dissertation, lectures, assignments and part‑time work, I’m hoping I can share some useful guidance on managing study stress at university!
Organisation
After three years at uni, I’ve learned that procrastination is my enemy. Mapping out all my deadlines in a calendar helps me work little and often, and avoids that horrible last‑minute panic!
Exercise
When I am in peak essay-writing season, I always ensure that I make time for daily movement during the day. This gives me a break from the screen, clears my head, and is a little segment of me-time in a busy day of studying. Bonus points if I go with friends and make it a social occasion!
Wellbeing and office hour support
If things are getting overwhelming, it is important to know that university wellbeing services are always available to help. This is ideal for concerns about mental health.
For more assignment related queries, I make time to go and speak to my lecturers in their office hours. They always provide me with guidance and put my mind at rest with any questions that I may have. It is always best to reach out and ask for help, rather than to keep worrying alone.
Plans in the Evenings
Should I have a busy study day coming up, I always ensure that I have nice plans with my friends or housemates in the evening. Whether that is a trip to the pub, cooking a nice dinner, a night in watching Love Island, or a society event to look forward to. This really helps me to stay motivated all day when I know that I have a reward in the evening.
Switching up my study spots
Another great tip that helps me to stay motivated and keeps stress away is switching up my study spots. When I feel a panic or brain fog come on over an essay or an assignment, it always helps me to have a change of scenery. There are loads of gorgeous study spots on campus to choose from, from the main library to the Teaching and Learning building, or the top of Muirhead Tower. I am always switching it up!
Studying with friends
Usually, I like to study with my course mates or housemates as this reminds me that I am not alone in academic stress and that I have people around me to lean on. If I am overthinking a part of my assignment, it is helpful to have people there to put me at ease. We all hold each other accountable and make sure we have breaks in between study sessions, which helps me.
Keeping my room a separate space
Finally, I like to keep my bedroom as my personal space and avoid doing university work in here as much as possible. This means that at the end of the day I can leave the stress of the day behind me and relax in my bed. It also helps me to get a better sleep, allowing me to focus easier the next day.
Getting a sweet treat
Finally, if all else fails, a library café hot chocolate or a sweet treat from the Spar never fails to motivate me or get me out of an academic slump!
Hopefully these tips will help you put the study stress behind you and find some ways to manage essay and exam season. Remember, you should be exceptionally proud of yourself for just being at university, try not to let the exam stress get to you, your best is always enough! If you require further wellbeing support do not hesitate to contact your college team.