• About your Union — Who's who, what we do and how it works
• Ents — clubnights and events
• Events in Cambridge — What's on?
• Student Life Directory — Societies and other groups at Cam Uni
• Services — Photocopying, minibuses and more
• Societies — Directory, information and resources
• Campaigns — Campaigns and volunteering
• Welfare — information, support and advocacy
• Education — information, support and advocacy
  • Academic Affairs officer briefings
  • CamExams
  • Complaints
  • Education campaigns
  • Education Team
  • Faculty Board Members
  • Individual student support
  • Interrupting your studies
  • Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Mature Students
  • QAA Audit 2008 - Student Written Submission
  • Study Skills support
• Student officers — Supporting JCRs/MCRs
• Prospective students — Applying to Cambridge?
• Publications — TCS, Handbooks, more
• Business — Student marketing opportunities
• Contacts — Get in touch

You are in:  Home » Academic Affairs support » CamExams

Exam Welfare

The University Counselling Service has produced a large range of self-help leaflets. Why not have a look at the one on Exams?

Here are some helpful tips to help you get through exam term.

Balance your time. Plan ahead to reduce pressure. Set yourself realistic targets. Establish a routine.

Take real breaks. Intersperse your revision sessions with other time-off activities, such as sport and social occasions. It's estimated that most people have a concentration span of between 30 to 45 minutes so it could be helpful to work for that length of time, followed by short breaks. Opt for whatever time-off activity suits you best, whether that is a cup of tea, seeing a friend or going for a walk.

For more information on clubs and societies and what is going on that could give you a break from work see the CUSU societies directory, the events@cam Directory or the Cambridge Online 'what's on' guide.

Don't work for too many hours. Try not to work in the early hours of the morning and don't work too many hours in one day. If you do, it is likely that your efforts will be undermined because you end up feeling more and more tired, and can't take in and process information efficiently.

Balance your space. Maintain a balance between time alone and time with others; sort out in advance when you will be able to do things together. Consider dividing your room into work and non-work areas.

Work in the place which suits you. Cambridge is full of places in which you can study; have a think about which spaces you enjoy using in Colleges, Departments, Museums or public areas. There are also over 100 libraries in which to study: visit the University Library's website listing all the libraries available.

Keep healthy. Ensure that you maintain a balanced diet. Eat three meals a day rather than snacking, don't sacrifice a proper diet for more time on revision. Remember to eat plenty of fresh fruit and drinks lots of water. Too much caffeine in coffee, coke and chocolate, as well as alcohol and sugar will make you more susceptible to stress and anxiety.

Exercise regularly. The adrenaline we build up under stress needs a release. Sports and exercise (whether walking, cycling, swimming or rowing) is one of the greatest stress busters. You don't have to be very sporty to get exercise - a walk every evening might help, or a kick around or rounders match with friends.

Make sure you get enough sleep. Don't rush straight to bed after revision, if you do, you may have difficulty sleeping with thoughts rushing about your brain. Do something that requires attention. Sport or an evening out is good as by the time you have gone to bed you're unlikely to be thinking about work, and are so tired that you'll fall asleep before your brain gets a chance to start thinking again. See here for ideas about Sleeping Better

Try relaxation exercises, yoga or meditation.

Separate others' expectations from your own. It is great to succeed and aim high, but keep things in balance. Aim to do your best, but recognise that none of us can be perfect all of the time.

Keep things in perspective. These exams might seem like the most crucial thing right now, but in the grander scheme of your whole life, they are only a small part.

Try changing the thoughts of "have to" to "choose to"

Recognise and tackle procrastination (leaving for tomorrow what you can do today): what do you gain from it? Similarly, stand back and weigh up your workload and plan your day. Don't let emergencies overtake those tasks that are more important but immediately less pressing.

Do not keep things bottled up. Communicating with other people whether it is pouring your heart out or just passing the time of day, is a great way of alleviating stress and worry. If you have a particular problem, do not be afraid about seeking help from others. Try friends, family, your course Tutor or a help-line may help, don't forget you can always contact CUSU for support and information. See the CamExams Academic Information

Listen to your body and feelings, work with them rather than against.

For more information see More Exam Welfare Information

CUSU provides confidential, free, non-judgemental support and information to individual students. Contact the CUSU Education Officer, Welfare Officer or Women's Officer by email, phone or by dropping into the office if you would like support or information on any topic.