The Final Push: Looking After Yourself During Exam Season
Exam season can feel intense, but it won’t last forever. This piece shares simple ways to stay grounded, look after yourself, and keep going through the final stretch.
As the summer term approaches, exam season isn’t far behind. For many students, this period can feel like the final stretch of a long race. Fatigue may be setting in, stress levels may be rising, and motivation can sometimes start to dip.
The pre-exam period can feel intense, but a few simple reminders can help you maintain perspective and resilience as you work toward the finish line.
Remember: it’s temporary
Exam season can feel intense, but it won’t last forever. In just a few weeks, exams will be over, and your routine will change again.
Reconnect with your “why”
You chose your course for a reason. Thinking about your goals, interests, or future plans can help restore motivation when energy dips.
Be kind to yourself
Many students feel weighed down by “should” statements like “I should be studying more.” Try reframing this to “I could be studying more, but I’m tired and protecting my health so I can perform at my best.”
Look after the basics
Sleep, regular meals, movement, and breaks all support concentration and memory. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step away and rest.
Stay in your own lane
Comparing yourself to others rarely helps. Everyone has different circumstances, responsibilities, and challenges.
Your results don’t define your worth
Exams measure academic performance at a specific moment in time — they do not measure your value, potential, or resilience.
Focus on what you can control
Instead of getting caught up in “what if” worries, concentrate on the next small step you can take today.
Taking time to identify and prioritise what matters most right now can help you make more intentional choices. You may find the Values Card Sort exercise helpful.
Finally, remember that you have already come a long way. The skills that brought you this far are still with you. As Nelson Mandela famously said: “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
If you are struggling, please reach out for support. Speaking to someone early can make a big difference.
Further support and resources
Talk to someone
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- Talk Campus Wellness Centre
- You can attend the Student Wellbeing and Accessible Learning drop-in or submit a query through the online form to speak to someone.
Support is available, and you don’t have to navigate this period alone.
Study support
Wellbeing resources
AND NOW FOR SOME EXCITING NEWS!
New Student Counselling & Wellbeing Support Incoming at Queen’s
Queen’s has partnered with Spectrum.Life to deliver our new Student Counselling and Support service, giving students even more ways to look after their mental health.
You can still access free, confidential support 24/7 by calling 0808 800 0016, with fast access to short-term counselling sessions close to campus.
You will also be able to explore the new BeWell Hub, packed with wellbeing tools including workouts, mindfulness, recipes, podcasts and practical tips for managing stress, sleep and study life.
Existing counselling support will continue without interruption during the transition.