Uni exams

adagio9 · ‎20-10-2015

It's that time again...

I'm a first year uni student and this year has been pretty difficult for me, but it's been worse recently as I've been struggling to get out of bed and go to classes and now I'm paying for it. I'm extremely behind in everything and although I have exams in two weeks, I don't have the motivation to try and catch up. My head is a bit of a mess and I'm so worried about failing that I can't study. I know they're only exams but at the same time they feel like the most important thing in the world right now.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get through these next few weeks?

Zeal · ‎20-10-2015

Hi Adagio,

I also have exams in several weeks. I'm in second year. The best advice I can give you is to ask for help from your lecturers and tutors, and make an appointment with your uni counselling service. The appointments are usually free or very cheap, and it might help to talk to someone. Also, make sure you allow yourself enough time to sleep, and to relax. If you overwork yourself and get run down, it will make studying even harder.

Try to find a positive motivator, rather than focus on not failing. For example, think about finishing your work as best you can, and being able to have a long summer holiday break!

Keep a diary, and write to-do lists. Having tasks written down means you don't have to remember everything, which can help your head feel a little less "cluttered". Aim to have time off on Fri and Sat nights, for example, when you can see friends, stay in and watch movies, or do whatever else you feel like.

I hope you can find ways to cope with the stress.

Best wishes,

SM

adagio9 · ‎21-10-2015

Hi SM,

I feel like there's not much point telling anyone because my classes will be over in a day or two, and I've been trying to make a counselling appointment but it just makes me so anxious that I can't actually make the appointment.

Thanks for the tips and good luck with yours too!

J96 · ‎23-10-2015

Hi Adagio,

I also am a first year Uni student with exams coming up in a few weeks. I understand how much of a stressful and anxious period it can be.

I agree with SM and urge you to try and talk to someone about how difficult things have been for you lately. My teachers last year always used to say that they can't help us if they didn't know there was a problem in the first place. I know it can be daunting speaking to lecturers and tutors - especially as we deal with them less than when we are at high school - but I'm sure they will be understanding. Maybe ask a friend to go with you if that will make you feel more at ease? Or you could even email or call if that makes it easier.

There's still some time to catch up on some work. I find that when I get overwhelmed it's easier if I break down everything I need to do. See what each exam entails and maybe make a list of a few things you can do to revise to help with the exam, e.g. revise definitions or make a flow chart of different concepts.

Find something that motivates you. You can do it and you will make it through! And remember, next year will be a new year and you'll be even more equipped at dealing with Uni and the workload because you'll have gotten through this year. 🙂

J.

adagio9 · ‎24-10-2015

Hi again, just felt like I should update you all.

I finally booked a counselling appointment (after trying for years!) and they squeezed me in, but it's still about a week away which is a bit difficult. I guess I just have to try and pull myself together and get through this the best that I can.

adagio9 · ‎28-10-2015

Wow was that a failure. I went to the appointment and left feeling worse than when I went in. I don't know what to do now

jacksmivers · ‎30-10-2015

Hey adagio,

Sorry to hear it didn't go well. Just thought to check on how what happened and how you're feeling now.

I've had a similar situation this semester, just feel so burnt out the last few weeks with assignments and lecture content it's so hard to keep pushing especially with a lack of motivation being one of the symptoms of depression.

What I try to do is just take it one step at a time and even if I do a small amount of revision it's better than nothing.

Let us know if this helps and how you're going

🙂