One thing that most higher education programs have in common is end-of-term exams. If exams are stressful for you, you’re not alone. Many students study all night and drink lots of coffee as they prepare, but that’s not the only study strategy (and for many students, not a healthy one). Here are six study strategies for getting through exam season and staying healthy as you do.
1. Be Organized
Being organized can reduce your stress. Strategies to stay on track include:
Creating a Master Exam Schedule: Add each exam date and time to your calendar or planner. Plus, keep a printed calendar or sheet of paper with your exam schedule at your desk or study spot. This visual reminder helps you see what’s coming, and not miss any tests.
Prioritizing different exams: Consider how much of your grade an exam is worth, and how challenging the material is for you. Save more study time for exams with higher stakes, or that cover material you find difficult.
Dividing course material into smaller pieces: If your instructor shares sample exam questions, write them down and organize the questions by topic. For cumulative exams, work backward from the test day: review the most recent units first, then schedule regular study sessions to cover the rest.听
Spacing out your learning to boost retention:听Consistent, structured study sessions (like 45 minutes of study with a 5-minute break) can than long cram sessions.听
2. Reward Yourself
Give yourself a small reward after reaching a study milestone. This can be time to see friends, a movie, or a night out. It can be something simple, too, like a study break or stopping by the campus cafe for tea! Incentives can be exciting, as you’ve got something to look forward to. This can encourage studying鈥攂ut only if the rewards are meaningful.
Use breaks to:
- Go outside for fresh air
- Exercise or stretch
- Connect with friends
- Enjoy a favorite snack or drink
- Practice a hobby you enjoy
From classical to lo-fi R&B, take our quiz to find your exam season playlist.
3. Study with Friends or Classmates
Studying with your peers can make exam time less stressful. It can be motivating to discuss what you’ve learned with others, and might introduce you to a new perspective.
Study Group Benefits:
- Active discussion of course content can help you remember it
- You might pick up details you missed, or be able to approach material from a new angle
- Promising to study with friends can keep you more accountable
For Effective Group Study:听
- Be strategic: evaluate if studying with others will help you remember each subject’s information and concepts, and keep your usual learning process in mind
- Use active recall techniques like quizzes and note cards
- Set group study times鈥攊f it’s in your calendar, it’s more likely to happen
4. Get Enough Sleep
By sleeping well, you’re helping your body to refuel, and your brain to recharge.听
Adequate sleep is one of the easiest ways to solidify what you’ve learned, and when it matters most. Sleep also .
Sleep Tips:
- Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep
- Try to have a consistent sleep schedule (similar hours, pre-sleep routines, etc.)
- Avoid all-nighters, which
5. Find Your Focus Style
There’s no getting around it: almost every student needs to study. Whether you break study sessions into smaller chunks, or gamify your studies with an app, it’s key to find a study method that suits your learning style.
Try Different Focus Methods:
- : Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break
- Time Blocking: Create a study schedule with set study times for each subject
- Digital Tools: Use apps like , , or to maintain focus
Not all brains work the same, so it’s okay if you try something and it doesn’t work. Ask your friends, classmates, and teaching assistants for new ideas!
Also, track your progress honestly. Most students overestimate their study time, and you can’t improve what you don’t measure. Even though it might not help you this exam season, try writing down your actual study hours to show when you’re most productive. Your notes will be helpful when the next exams approach.
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6. Prioritize Your Mental Health
40% of Gen Z (ages 14 to 25) felt they . Exam season can cause stress and anxiety, so even if you don’t have a history of either, watch for signs you’re feeling overwhelmed. Difficulty concentrating, exhaustion, sleep changes, irritability, and disconnection from activities you usually enjoy are common symptoms, so don’t ignore them.听
Build Your Resilience With Good Habits:
- Set phone-free study periods to reduce digital distractions and social media comparison
- Balance studying with relaxation
- Eat balanced meals
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Take a daily walk
If anxiety or exhaustion starts to change your daily life, reach out. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and your institution may have free or low-cost services like academic success centers, counseling, or peer tutoring.
Looking for more study tips? Check out our list of four effective habits to try this exam season.
It鈥檚 easy to lose motivation when other students finish their exams sooner than you. If this is the case, forget what others are doing and focus on what 测辞耻鈥檙别 doing and why 测辞耻鈥檙别 doing it. Keep your eye on the prize (a good grade, preparing for your dream job) and find comfort in knowing that exam season will be over sooner than you think.
Studying for exams can be challenging, but using these tips can help you ace your finals. Good luck!
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