Surviving Exam Season: My Study Story and Tips

Let’s be real—exam season is a lot. Deadlines sneak up on you, revision notes pile higher than your laundry, and suddenly you’re asking yourself, “Did I eat today?” (Spoiler: sometimes the answer is no). As someone who’s juggled multiple coursework deadlines, back-to-back exams, and the occasional mental spiral about the future, here are my top tips that have helped me survive and actually feel good about it along the way. 

📚 My Study Strategy (A.K.A. Organised Chaos) 

No matter how many times I’ve faced exam season, the overwhelm is real. But I’ve learned that having a plan, even a flexible one, makes everything feel more manageable. 

Here’s what works for me: 

1. The “Two-Column” To-Do List 
To help me be realistic and reduce the guilt when I can’t do everything in one day, I split my tasks into two categories: 

• ✔ Must Do Today – urgent and important stuff (like submitting a draft or attending a review session). 
• ✔ Would Be Great If I Did – tasks that can wait but still need doing (like reviewing a topic or updating references). 

2. Time Blocking (with wiggle room) 

I map out chunks of time for different tasks—revision, breaks, meals, and even scrolling through TikTok! Giving yourself permission to rest within your schedule makes it feel less like boot camp and more like a balanced routine. 

 

3. 30-Minute Power Sprints 

When I can’t focus, I set a 30-minute timer and go all in on one thing. After that, I take a break. Sometimes I do a stretch, clean my desk, or just stare out the window like I’m in a music video. Then I do another 30 minutes. You’d be surprised how much you can do when you break it down. 

 

✍️ Assignments: From Panic to Progress 

Assignments used to feel like climbing Everest. But here’s what I’ve learned: 

• Start messy – Your first draft is not your final draft. I now allow myself to write the ugliest, most chaotic version of my ideas just to get something down.
• Editing is where the magic happens. 
• Break it down – I split big assignments into tiny milestones: 
• ✅Research
• ✅Outline 
• ✅Write intro 
• ✅Add citations 
• ✅Proofread 

That way, I can celebrate progress and avoid that dreaded “I haven’t even started” feeling (when actually, I have). 

Final Thoughts (From One Student to Another) 

It’s okay to feel stressed. It’s okay to have off-days. You’re doing your best—and that’s enough. Take it one step, one task, one breath at a time. And remember exam season is temporary, but your wellbeing lasts beyond it. Look after yourself, and trust that you’ve got what it takes to get through this. 

Good luck—you’ve got this 💪✨ 

Hi, I’m Nuzhat Tasnim Rifa, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about technology, learning new skills, and helping others navigate university life. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken a part-time role at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. I enjoy balancing academics with real-life experiences and love sharing what I’ve learned to support others on a similar path. This blog site is a space where I share tips, reflections, and insights to help students make the most of their time at university and beyond.