Go into exams feeling confident and in control this semester
Exam season is right around the corner. For many students, that brings a mix of pressure, stress and motivation. When assignments are wrapping up at the same time, it is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. But preparing for exams doesn’t have to mean constant stress or all-nighters. With a bit of planning and a realistic approach, you can go into exams feeling confident and in control.
Build a strong foundation
The weeks leading up to exams are when most of the real preparation happens. Starting early, even if it’s just going through notes or organizing what you’ve learned, can make a huge difference. Instead of trying to tackle an entire course at once, it helps to break things into smaller, manageable pieces. Focusing on one lecture or one topic at a time makes studying feel less overwhelming and easier to remember.
It’s also important to actively engage with the material. Simply re-reading notes can feel productive, but methods like practice questions, flashcards or explaining concepts out loud often lead to better understanding. Studying with a friend and talking through ideas is also helpful when studying.
At the same time, try to keep your schedule realistic. Long, intense study days aren’t always sustainable, especially when you’re balancing other responsibilities. To avoid early burnout, try shorter, consistent study sessions. Including breaks, meals and time to rest can be more effective in the long run.
A few days before: focus and simplify
This is the time to focus on what matters most. Going over key concepts, revisiting areas you found challenging and studying what you already know can help you feel more prepared without adding unnecessary stress.
Cramming might feel like the only option, but it often makes it harder to retain information. Taking care of yourself during this time is just as important as studying. Lack of sleep, for example, can affect your memory, concentration and ability to cope with stress. Eating regularly, staying hydrated and getting enough rest can genuinely improve your performance and not just how you feel.
What VIU offers: exam accommodations and supports
For many students, exams can bring on anxiety due to fear of failure, heavy workloads or feeling under-prepared. Through VIU’s Accessibility Services, some students may have approved accommodations such as extra time, a quieter testing space, assistive technology or the ability to take breaks. These supports are designed to remove barriers and give students a fair chance to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
Staff and exam invigilators are there to support you throughout the process, helping ensure everything runs smoothly. If you have accommodations, it’s a good idea to arrive early so you can get settled, check in and take a few moments to relax before the exam begins.
Even during the exam, there are simple strategies that can help if you start to feel overwhelmed. Taking a pause, breathing slowly or briefly looking away from your paper can help reset your focus. If breaks are part of your accommodations, stepping out for a moment to stretch or get some water can also help you regroup. Starting with questions that feel easier can build confidence and create momentum for the rest of the exam.
Exam day: come prepared
When exam day arrives, the most important thing you can do is keep things simple. A quick review can help refresh your memory, but trying to learn entirely new material right before the exam can add unnecessary stress.
Arrive early for your exam. Walking in calmly, rather than rushing, helps you start in a better headspace. Before heading into your exam, it helps to come prepared with a few essentials so you can stay focused. Bring pens, pencils, erasers and any other materials your exam requires, along with your student ID if needed. Having a water bottle or a small snack can also help keep your energy up, especially during longer exams. Once the exam begins, take your time reading each question carefully and pace yourself as you go. If you get stuck, it’s okay to move on and come back later.
Most importantly, trust the work you’ve already put in. It’s easy to feel like you didn’t do enough, but chances are you know more than you think. Staying steady and focused can help you show that.
Final thoughts
Exams are an important part of the semester, but they don’t define your entire university experience. Doing your best with the time and energy you have is enough.
Once it’s all over, take a moment to rest and reset. And celebrate! You’ve made it through another term, and that’s something worth recognizing :)
Becky Duarte is a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Media Studies. She moved to Canada in January 2023 for the experience of studying abroad and living life outside India. She enjoys travelling, watching movies and playing board games.
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