April assessments might feel a little way off - but once Easter hits, revision time moves fast.

University assessments can also feel different from what you’ve experienced before. Instead of just a few exams at the end, you might be juggling essays, presentations, group work, and deadlines across modules. It can feel like a lot - especially if you’re trying to work independently.

That’s why starting early really pays off. Getting clear on what’s coming up - and knowing where to find support - can help you stay in control and reduce stress before exam season begins.

In March, the goal isn’t to revise everything - it’s to get organised.

Step 1: Get clear on what’s coming up 

Take 10-15 minutes this week to: 

• • Check your assessment deadlines
  • Confirm the format (exam, essay, presentation, project…)
  • Make a simple timeline between now and Easter 

Clarity reduces panic. Even a simple outline gives you something solid to work from.

Step 2: Use your feedback - don’t ignore it. 

Your previous feedback is one of the clearest guides you already have.

Look back at: 

• • Comments on previous assignments
  • Recurring themes (structure? referencing? analysis?)
  • Suggestions for improvement 

Try turning those comments into a short checklist for your next assignment or revision session. 

If you’re unsure how to turn feedback into action, you can explore this recent guide from the Learning Development Service on understanding and applying feedback. 

If you’d prefer to talk it through, book support now - rather than waiting until the week before assessments.

Step 3: Know where support lives (before you need it) 

The Assessment Support Hub is a central digital space created for Queen’s students to make assessment processes clearer and less stressful. 

You’ll find

• • student insight videos,
  • a glossary of key terms,
  • clear explanations of adjustments and mitigations,
  • visual timelines,
  • dedicated PGR guidance,
  • and links to academic skills and wellbeing support. 

Spend five minutes exploring it now so you know where to go later. 

Not sure which service is right for you? Start here:

Different services support students in different ways. Here’s where to start: 

Undergraduate Support

The Learning Development Service (LDS) is here to support your preparation for assessments. You can book an online or in‑person one‑to‑one appointment through Microsoft Bookings for personalised study support. Appointments are available up to two weeks in advance. Plus, don't forget to make use of our Canvas-based academic skills resources. 

Postgraduate Support

If you’re a postgraduate student preparing for assessments or planning your dissertation, the Thomas J Moran Graduate School offers skills bootcamps, study and writing support, motivation sessions, and 1:1 appointments (bookable via MyFuture) to help you strengthen your academic writing, manage your time effectively, and plan with confidence.

Alongside this, sessions such as Master Your Resilience and our weekly Wellbeing Wednesdays provide space to build resilience, stay motivated, and connect with fellow postgraduate students - supporting both your academic progress and personal wellbeing.

🗺️ Planning your dissertation? Explore this interactive resource to spark ideas and structure your early thinking.

The Academic English Service (AES) can help you strengthen the language and academic skills needed for your assessments. This support may be useful if you have English as a second or additional language or haven't studied in the UK before. 

Support includes subject-specific sessions within your programme, open workshops for international students, and one-to-one appointments when you need more personalised guidance. 

International students can still attend timetabled Semester 2 workshops and register for additional workshops using this link. Find out more information on this page. Semester 2 support includes one-off exam skills workshops running in March and continued support for academic writing and communication. 

Find out more on the Academic English Service page or contact aes@qub.ac.uk.