‘Tis the season for exams, and too often, nervous breakdowns. However, perhaps we can look past the induced fear and pandemonium to recognize that there are ways to minimize the stress associated with exam taking. Here are a few helpful tips:

1)   Plan Ahead

Planning is key to success; by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. This means organizing notes and resources, dedicating time in your schedule to studying, and actively eliminating distractions.

2)   Take Breaks

Sure, perseverance is important in life, but so are breaks! Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in your studying that you forget to shower, eat, or sleep. Allowing yourself to overlook these important necessities can actually hinder your chance of success.

3)   Don’t Panic

In your personal and professional life, it is important that you believe in yourself and maintain a positive attitude. Understand that exams are not the end of the world, and remember that mistakes and failures are actually fantastic learning opportunities.

Check out this YouTube video for some study tips that are backed by science!
Also, be sure to refer to our previous post about Understanding Exam Stress for more helpful tips and resources.

Finding Support For Your Students
There is a growing awareness about mental health issues on campus at the University of Windsor. @UWinMentalHealth, the Twitter handle of the Mental Health Awareness club, is an excellent resource on and advocate for mental health issues on campus and in the community.

The Student Counseling Centre also continues to provide a range of services supporting students’ mental health. As this page explains, it’s really easy to make an appointment with them, too. Good2Talk, a free, bilingual, provincial-wide help hotline dedicated to post-secondary students, is also available 24hours a day, at 1-866-925-5454.

If you’re taking to proactive approach, you should also encourage your students to sign up for one of the exam preparation workshops with the S.T.E.P.S. team. Look for more sessions on how to prepare for exams, including those pesky multiple-choice exams, in the Winter 2016 S.T.E.P.S. Schedule.