Male student sitting outside at a table with his laptop and textbooks studying for exams

Your 2021 Exams Survival Guide

Your 2021 Exams Survival Guide

We know that exam period is a highly stressful time, and this is even more so as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt across our communities. With the end of trimester exams looming near, it’s completely natural to feel anxious and perhaps even a little overwhelmed. To help you during this time, we’ve compiled a list of best practices and handy advice to ensure you’re tackling exams in a smart, efficient, and healthy way to help you succeed.


Organisation is key

From being tidy to being well-prepared can help you elevate your exam game. Decluttering your study space can instantly put your mind at ease and starting in a clear and clean environment can help you get into the right mindset. Remember, sometimes the little things matter!

It can be hard to figure out where to start when your schedule is jam-packed. So, having a plan allows you to remain in control, so you can stay cool, calm and collected from now till exam time. Grab out your DUSA wall planner, and arrange a plan of action that is thorough, realistic, and achievable, so you know exactly what you need to do to stay ready!

Healthy habits yield success

Exams can be all-consuming, so at times it can feel like there’s no time for anything outside of uni. However, this mindset is often counterproductive, and can lead to over-exhaustion and burnout – your worst enemy when it comes to studying! So, ensure you’re enforcing a healthy balance between exams, preparations and downtime, and carve out some time for yourself. As things around us get a little crazy, it’s more important now than ever that we’re taking the appropriate steps in taking care of ourselves. Who said Netflix and exams can’t co-exist?

Caffeine is normally seen as a necessary ally around exam period, but nothing is as important as sleep to help you keep that momentum going. Having a good night’s rest can help you adequately recharge so you can better concentrate and stay focused so that you’re always performing at your best. Your brain will love you for it.

Things to remember when entering your exam

The way exams are conducted is changing, so be sure you’re across everything you need to know about your exam. Once you know the ins and outs, make a pre-exam checklist so you’ll have everything you need. If your exam is online, try your best to find a quiet place to sit your exam, and ensure there are minimal distractions around you. As there may not be constant reminders or clocks surrounding you like traditional exam sessions, make sure you’re conscious of time. Lastly, always double-check your answers before submitting and go over your exam to make sure nothing is missed.

No matter how much you prepare, sometimes unexpected circumstances outside of your control can occur. Here are some common exam mishap scenarios to familiarise yourself with, so you know what to do if you encounter them:
www.dusa.org.au/get-help/academic-integrity

For all other DUSA advocacy enquires, visit this website:
www.dusa.org.au/get-help/advocacy-welfare

Remember, you know yourself best, so make sure you tailor your exam plan accordingly. Keep calm and take deep breaths, and we wish you all the best with the upcoming exams!

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