Personal Tips and Advice for Managing Deadlines, Studying Effectively, and Handling Stress

As a student, I know how stressful exam periods and assignment deadlines can be. Between balancing lectures, social life, and part-time jobs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, over the years, I’ve used strategies that have helped me stay on top of my work, study effectively, and manage stress. If you're feeling the pressure, here are some tips that I swear by to help you succeed. 

1. Create a Study Plan – Stay Organised

The key to tackling deadlines and exams is planning ahead. I start by breaking down my workload into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of staring at a long list of things to do, I create a study plan with clear goals for each day leading up to the exam or assignment deadline. 

For example, if I have multiple exams or assignments coming up, I allocate specific times for each subject. I use the University of Hertfordshire’s online resources, such as the library e-books, module slides, and other study materials, to help me plan my study sessions. Breaking down the topics into smaller chunks makes studying feel less overwhelming and more achievable. 

2. Use University Resources to Your Advantage 

The University of Hertfordshire offers a wealth of resources to help students succeed, and I make sure to take full advantage of them. Here are some of my go-to resources: 

Lecture Notes & Recordings: I review my lecture notes and any recorded sessions available on StudyNet to reinforce what I’ve learned in class. 
 
Library Access: The university library has an extensive range of books and online journals. If I need extra reading material or references for my assignments, I head straight there. 

3. Active Learning – Engage with Your Studies 

When it comes to studying for exams, passive reading isn’t enough. I use active learning techniques to truly absorb the material. For me, this means doing: 

Practice Tutorials: I always try to do practice tutorials for each module, which gives me a better understanding of the topic and enhances my coding skills. 

Group Study Sessions: Sometimes, explaining things to friends in study groups helps clarify tricky topics. You can join or create a study group by making friends in your course or by working together on group projects. This collaboration allows you to share knowledge, clarify doubts, and support each other through difficult topics, making studying more effective and interactive. 

4. Time Management – Avoid Procrastination 

As a student, I know that procrastination can quickly become your worst enemy. I’ve learned to use my time wisely by sticking to a timetable and staying disciplined. Here’s what works for me: 

Use the Pomodoro Technique: This technique involves studying for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. I find this method keeps me focused without feeling burnt out. 

Set Realistic Goals: Rather than aiming to study for 5 hours straight, I set smaller, achievable goals for each session. For example, I might aim to revise a specific chapter or complete a certain number of questions. 

Avoid Multitasking: I try to focus on one task at a time, whether that’s studying for an exam or doing an assignment. This helps me stay more focused and productive. 

5. Manage Stress – Take Care of Yourself 

When exams and deadlines pile up, it’s important to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Stress can quickly hinder your ability to study, so I make sure to incorporate these stress management strategies into my routine: 

Take Regular Breaks: I make time for breaks throughout my study sessions. I like to go for walks around my apartment or stretch to get my body moving and refresh my mind. 

Sleep: I aim to get a good night’s sleep before exams. It’s tempting to pull an all-nighter, but I’ve learned that proper rest improves concentration and memory retention. 

Talk to Someone: If I feel overwhelmed, I talk to family or friends. They help me a lot in managing stress and provide the support I need. 

6. Reward Yourself – Stay Motivated 

Finally, after completing a study session or finishing an assignment, I always reward myself. Whether it’s watching a movie, enjoying a treat, or hanging out with friends, giving yourself small rewards after achieving a goal helps keep motivation high. 

 

I’m Sarosh James, an international student from Pakistan currently pursuing an MSc in Data Science at the University of Hertfordshire. I work as a Student Ambassador, supporting and guiding fellow students. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about sports and love playing cricket, basketball, and football.