Before the exam

Planning 

Try to make an overall study plan based on questions such as: What are the course objectives? What am I expected to learn? What do I need to study and do? When should I do it? A calendar where you note lectures, seminars, group work and time to study on your own increases structure. Click on "Study strategies" to learn more about planning and other kinds of strategies. 

Study technique

In addition to setting goals and sub-goals for what is to be achieved, study technique is about, for example, how to read in different ways and with different goals - to get an overview, active reading and in-depth reading. It’s also about how to take notes effectively from books and lectures, review the content and the importance of regular breaks. Click on "Study strategies" to learn more about planning and other kinds of strategies. 

Healthy habits 

When we feel stressed and anxious, it’s easy to neglect important things like eating regularly, getting enough sleep, exercising and participating in social activities. Although we may feel that we don’t have time to take care of our needs, we need to make room for this, especially when we’re under stress. It prevents problems arising from stress and anxiety. Click on "Initiate a change" to learn more. 

 

Practise emotion regulation

This means handling thoughts, emotions and bodily symptoms in a helpful way. Learn more about this below.

 

On exam day 

Avoid studying at the last minute as this contributes to stress and isn’t usually very effective, even if your thoughts and feelings want to make you believe so. Try to give yourself plenty of time to eat something, get ready and head off to the exam room in peace and quiet (unless it’s a home exam). Do what you need at a relaxed pace, and do one thing at a time, even if you get impulses to rush. When you get to the exam room, you can do what works best for you. Is it talking to your classmates or taking a moment to yourself, maybe listening to music?