Where to go for support during exam season

Hi everyone,

Exam season can be quite a challenging and stressful time, so it is important to reach out for support and take care of yourself. I thought we could share here some of the services and supports our universities have to offer, so you know what help is out there and may be also available at your university.

I study at Kingston and here are a few resources and facilities I think are useful to make the most of during exam season:

Support Services

- The Resident Life Team are dropping by with free snacks for those living in halls.
- The Academic Success Centre offers a range of support you can book an appointment or just go to drop ins.
Reach out to your Personal Tutor.
- The Health and Wellbeing team offer stress/time management sessions.

Places to study

- Libraries! We have 4 to choose from so it’s good to have a change of scenery. Can also book a study room for a quieter space.
- Make the most of the cafes and other social spaces on campus to study.
- Common rooms on the accommodation sites are also great.

Health and Wellbeing

- Ku Extra offer sessions like pilates, table tennis and yoga that can help you relive some stress.
- The student gym at Penryn Road. Exercise can help you feel more productive.
- The canteens and cafes at the campus where you can go and refuel.

I hope this is helpful and gives you some guidance during this time. Would love to hear what other services are out there!

And good luck to everyone with exams and deadlines right now 😊

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 1

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by Kingston Grace

Hi everyone,
Exam season can be quite a challenging and stressful time, so it is important to reach out for support and take care of yourself. I thought we could share here some of the services and supports our universities have to offer, so you know what help is out there and may be also available at your university.
I study at Kingston and here are a few resources and facilities I think are useful to make the most of during exam season:
Support Services
- The Resident Life Team are dropping by with free snacks for those living in halls.
- The Academic Success Centre offers a range of support you can book an appointment or just go to drop ins.
Reach out to your Personal Tutor.
- The Health and Wellbeing team offer stress/time management sessions.
Places to study
- Libraries! We have 4 to choose from so it’s good to have a change of scenery. Can also book a study room for a quieter space.
- Make the most of the cafes and other social spaces on campus to study.
- Common rooms on the accommodation sites are also great.
Health and Wellbeing
- Ku Extra offer sessions like pilates, table tennis and yoga that can help you relive some stress.
- The student gym at Penryn Road. Exercise can help you feel more productive.
- The canteens and cafes at the campus where you can go and refuel.
I hope this is helpful and gives you some guidance during this time. Would love to hear what other services are out there!
And good luck to everyone with exams and deadlines right now 😊
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Hi Grace,
Tottally agree! - exam season can be quite a stressful and busy time! -just thought id drop in with some general advice for exams + a few specific resources available at Strathclyde 😀

Ways to manage stress and look after yourself during this time:
Make a realistic Study Plan- break subjects into chunks and spread them over days; don’t try to cram everything at once, by doing so you can keep up on what your understanding and not have that last minute panic learning!!
Take regular breaks - short breaks can help your brain reset and improve focus, while also preventing burnout (:
Look after yourself - try to get enough sleep, eat well, and get some fresh air or light exercise. - just a 10-15 min walk a day or a little catchup with a friend always helps exams feel that bit less overwhelming (:
Talk it out - if you’re feeling stressed, let someone know! A friend, family member,can often help just by listening.
-If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to arrange a quick chat or meeting with your lecturer- they’re there to help!
Use your university or college support services – I've highlighted strathclyde's services bellow but al unis should offer some kind of wellbeing resources.

Support Services (Strathclyde Specific) :
The Student Experience Helpdesk- This is your first point of contact for the Student Experience , who are ready to answer questions - If they don’t know the answer, they are able to connect you with the right people who can help out!, good if your not exactly sure who your needing to chat to + general enquiries (:

Strath Union Advice Hub- This is a free and confidential service where students can get information and advice on everything related to personal, financial, housing or academic matters.

The Disability and Wellbeing Service- This has a range of advisers with specialist expertise in disability, health, mental health and counselling. They offer a broad range of support to students with disability, mental health and wellbeing needs.

Good luck everyone!! - hope exam season goes well <3

Emily (:
Year 2, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Kingston Grace

Hi everyone,
Exam season can be quite a challenging and stressful time, so it is important to reach out for support and take care of yourself. I thought we could share here some of the services and supports our universities have to offer, so you know what help is out there and may be also available at your university.
I study at Kingston and here are a few resources and facilities I think are useful to make the most of during exam season:
Support Services
- The Resident Life Team are dropping by with free snacks for those living in halls.
- The Academic Success Centre offers a range of support you can book an appointment or just go to drop ins.
Reach out to your Personal Tutor.
- The Health and Wellbeing team offer stress/time management sessions.
Places to study
- Libraries! We have 4 to choose from so it’s good to have a change of scenery. Can also book a study room for a quieter space.
- Make the most of the cafes and other social spaces on campus to study.
- Common rooms on the accommodation sites are also great.
Health and Wellbeing
- Ku Extra offer sessions like pilates, table tennis and yoga that can help you relive some stress.
- The student gym at Penryn Road. Exercise can help you feel more productive.
- The canteens and cafes at the campus where you can go and refuel.
I hope this is helpful and gives you some guidance during this time. Would love to hear what other services are out there!
And good luck to everyone with exams and deadlines right now 😊
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Hi!

This is a great idea. Exam season can be really stressful and it is so important to look after yourself in this time. I've also added some general advice and some specific Hallam advice in case anyone who goes to Hallam is reading this 🙂

General advice:

•

Try and take it a bit at a time. I know it is so overwhelming when you feel like you have so much to do, but it can really help when you break it down into more manageable chunks as this can feel less overwhelming and will help you out.

•

Try and take breaks when you need them. It can be so helpful to just get out and go on a walk to take a bit of a break to clear your mind. You will often be more productive when you go back so it is worth it.

•

Take advantage of all of the support that it is available to you and talk to people at your uni. It can feel lonely sometimes when you have lots to do and feel stressed, so make sure you are talking to people if you feel you need to.

•

Talk to your friends and family. They will be there as someone to listen to you and can really help you to feel less stressed.

Some Hallam advice:

•

The Hallam Help team are there to help you if you need any questions answering.

•

Your academic advisor will be there to support you, so make sure you talk to them if you need it.

•

Your student support advisor is there to help you too, so please talk to them if you ever need someone to talk to or if you feel you are struggling at all.