How to actually survive exam stress without falling apart

Let’s be honest—exams are the worst. One minute you're vibing through uni life, the next you’re Googling “can you fail a degree because of one exam” at 2 a.m with an energy drink in hand. If that sounds like you, breathe. You’re not alone.
The good news? You don’t need to lose your mind to pass your exams. Here’s a realistic, no-fluff guide to dealing with exam stress like a pro—or at least like a functioning student.

Why are exams so stressful anyway?

Exams = pressure. Simple as that.

• Internal pressure: You want to do well. Maybe you’ve always been the “organised” one. Maybe you just want to prove you can handle this.
• External pressure: Parents, tutors, and friends who’ve already revised the whole syllabus—thanks for the anxiety.

Bottom line: everyone wants you to succeed, but it feels like everything’s riding on a few pieces of paper. No wonder your brain’s melting.

Signs you’re more stressed than you think

Stress doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it’s just… you, binge-watching a documentary about pandas instead of revising. But here are a few clues it’s getting too real:

• Constantly tired, even though you’ve done nothing
• Suddenly hate everyone, including yourself
• Crying over the printer jam
• Eating cereal for dinner for the third night in a row
• Sleeping weird hours (if at all)
• Avoiding people because they’ll ask “how’s revision going?”

Sound familiar? Cool, let’s fix it.

Quick Note before we dive in:

If you're feeling stressed about finding accommodation in the UK—don’t be. At Hallbookers, we make the process simple, so you can focus on exams, not housing.

7 actually helpful ways to handle exam stress

_{1. Study… Just a little bit at a time}

• Big secret: you don’t need to do 10 hours in one go. Start small. Open your notes. Read a page. That’s it. Momentum builds.
• Pro tip: Trick your brain. Tell yourself you’ll just study for 10 minutes. Usually, you’ll keep going.

_{2. Time Management, but make it lazy-proof}

You don’t need a colour-coded bullet journal (unless you love that). Just make a basic plan. What do you need to study? When can you realistically do it?

Try this:

• 25 minutes of work
• 5-minute break
• Repeat 3 times

Then take a proper break with snacks and memes

_{3. Log Off TikTok and Instagram (Just for a bit)}

We get it, the For You Page gets you. But every scroll = less study = more stress later.

Try:

• App blockers
• Putting your phone in another room
• Or just switching to airplane mode when you’re studying

And hey, brag about it later in your group chat. “Just smashed a 40-minute revision sesh, who am I?”

_{4. Move your body (Even if It's just a stretch)}

No, you don’t need to run a marathon. Just get up, move, and shake off the stress.

Options that don’t suck:

• Walk around the block
• Do 10 squats while your pasta cooks
• Dance around your room like no one’s watching (they’re not, promise)

Movement = endorphins = your brain chillin’ out a little.

_{5. Get some sleep, please}

All-nighters are a uni tradition—but also a terrible idea. No sleep = no memory, no focus, no patience.

Fix it fast:

• Put your phone on night mode
• Avoid caffeine after 5 PM
• Try white noise or meditation apps if you can’t switch off

_{6. Self-Care isn’t optional}

Yes, you need breaks. No, that doesn’t mean scrolling Instagram for 2 hours. Real self-care is about recharging your way.

Ideas:

• 20-minute nap
• Painting your nails
• Watching a comfortable movie
• Making actual food
• Calling your friend just to vent

If it makes you feel slightly more human—do it.

_{7. Keep it in perspective}

One exam will not ruin your future. Your worth is not measured by your GPA. You’re doing your best, and that is more than enough.

You’re not a robot. You’re a student. And this is just one part of your journey—not the whole story.

_{Still Stressed? Talk to Someone.}

Seriously. Don’t bottle it up. Most universities have mental health services, peer support groups, or just really nice tutors who understand that exam season is tough.

Places to check:

• University counselling
• Student support services
• Friends and flatmates
• Online forums (the helpful kind)
• That one lecturer who always checks in on everyone

Final words before you Panic-Revise again

You’ve got this. You’re allowed to feel stressed—but you don’t have to stay stuck in it. Use these tips, pace yourself, and remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Now, close this tab. Go revise one small thing. And reward yourself with something sweet afterwards. You earned it.

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