Managing Exam Stress: Tips for Uni Students

Exams can turn uni life into a pressure cooker. Finals week, with its racing heartbeats and scattered notes, often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and unsure if they’ve forgotten everything. Whether it's a business test or a law essay, stress can hijack your focus. But stress doesn’t have to win. These five science-backed tips will help students stay calm, prep smart, and ace exams, walking out of the test room with a grin.

Schedule Mini Study Blocks

Break study sessions into 30-minute chunks with 5-minute breaks – far less daunting than long, endless sessions. Use a planner or an app like Todoist to map out what needs to be covered, like “9-9:30: Cell division notes.” Stick to one topic per block to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Short blocks keep the brain sharp. Studies show that focused, timed study boosts retention by 20%, making it easier to nail those key concepts.

Try Guided Relaxation

When stress starts to spike, take a 5-minute guided relaxation session. Apps like Beyond Blue’s Chillbot offer quick sessions to ease the mind – think deep breathing or visualizing a peaceful beach. Try doing this before bed or between study sessions.

Relaxation lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. Research shows that even brief sessions improve focus and reduce anxiety, setting students up for success.

Fuel Your Body Right

Skip the energy drinks. Too much caffeine can make students feel jittery and anxious. Opt for balanced snacks like nuts, fruit, or yogurt to keep energy steady, and stick with water instead of soda to stay hydrated.

Proper nutrition supports brain function. Studies highlight that balanced meals enhance memory and mood, giving students an edge on exam day.

Practice Active Recall

Rather than re-reading notes passively, test yourself. Make flashcards (digital ones on Quizlet work great) with questions like, “What’s the main cause of inflation?” Cover the answer, recall it, then check. Do this daily for a week before the exam.

Active recall strengthens memory. Research shows it’s 50% more effective than passive review, helping students retrieve information under pressure.

Talk It Out

Don’t bottle up stress. Talk to a friend, family member, or uni counselor about how you’re feeling. Say, “I’m freaking out about this exam,” and let them listen. Most unis offer free counseling, so be sure to check your student portal for resources.

Talking reduces stress overload. Studies say social support cuts anxiety and boosts resilience, helping students stay grounded when exams loom.

Ace Exams with Calm Confidence

Exams don’t have to be a stress fest. With mini study blocks, guided relaxation, proper nutrition, active recall, and open conversations, students can tackle tests with confidence. Want to master stress management? For more mental health tools, visit Beyond Blue to stay cool under pressure.

Your exams are a chance to shine - start prepping with confidence today!

References

Australian Government (2023) Beyond Blue: Mental health resources for students. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Available at: https://www.beyondblue.org.au (Accessed: 11 April 2025).

Lovallo, W. R. (2015) Stress and health: Biological and psychological interactions. 3rd edn. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Roediger, H. L. and Karpicke, J. D. (2006) ‘The power of testing memory: Basic research and implications for educational practice’, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 1(3), pp. 181–210. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-6916.2006.00012.x.

Sapolsky, R. M. (2004) Why zebras don’t get ulcers. 3rd edn. New York: Holt Paperbacks.

Disclaimer

This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.