How to Stay Well During Exam Season: A Guide for WBS Students

Exam season has officially landed, and wow... it's intense. As a first-year student at Warwick Business School, I’ve quickly learned that this time of year can feel like a whirlwind of revision notes, group projects, and last-minute deadlines. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and forget to breathe.

But what I’ve come to realise and something that WBS encourages, is that looking after yourself is just as important as smashing those assessments.
What I love about being a WBS student is that there’s so much support available. Whether it's academic help, mental health resources, or just spaces to relax and reset, WBS genuinely wants us to succeed and stay well. So, if you're feeling the pressure right now, you’re not alone, there is help to get you through it in a way that feels manageable and healthy.

Reach Out for Support When You Need It

One thing I’ve learned quickly at WBS is that exam season doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. There’s a ton of support out there if you're feeling anxious, stressed, or just need someone to talk to.

Here are a few things I’ve found super helpful:

• Wellbeing Advisers are available for quick chats during the week (Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm). You can speak to them online or pop into Senate House if you’d rather talk in person. They’ve given me some great coping tips, and just having someone listen really helps.
   
• Exam Anxiety Drop-Ins happen every Tuesday and Thursday from 4–5pm. No need to book – just turn up. It’s a chilled space where you can chat with other students, pick up stress-busting techniques, and grab a drink or snack.
   
• Togetherall has been a game-changer. It’s an online mental health platform which is open 24/7, and you can talk to professionals anytime. Perfect for those late-night overthinking moments (we’ve all been there).
   
• And if things feel really overwhelming, the uni has emergency contacts you can reach out to. You’re never left without support. 

Structure Your Revision Wisely

Planning out your revision properly can honestly save you a lot of stress. Here’s what’s been working for me:

• Break it up. Don’t try to do everything in one go. Focus on one topic at a time and keep it manageable.
   
• Try Pomodoro. 25 minutes of solid work, 5-minute break. It helps me stay focused without burning out.
   
• Check out the Weekly Themes. In Term 3, Week 1 is all about managing exams and deadlines. Worth a look for quick tips on staying calm and productive.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

It’s easy to forget the basics during exam season, but they make a big difference:

• Sleep > all-nighters. A rested brain remembers way more than a tired one.
   
• Eat well. Blueberries, nuts, fish, whole grains actually help with focus and energy.
   
• Move your body. A quick walk or gym session clears your head and cuts stress.

Stay Connected with Friends

When stress kicks in, it’s tempting to just shut everyone out, but that usually makes things worse. Checking in with your friends or flatmates can really help. Chances are, they’re feeling it too.

And if you need more support:

• Residential Community Team is there for anyone in campus halls – it’s peer support, so they get it.
• Warwick Mediation can help if there’s tension or conflict – totally free and confidential.
• WBS Buddy Scheme is an awesome way to talk to someone who knows what you’re going through. Sometimes just having a chat with someone in the same boat makes a big difference.

Be Kind to Yourself

It’s so easy to fall into the perfectionism trap during exam time – I’ve definitely been there. But here’s what I’m learning:

• Done is better than perfect. Aim to do your best, not be flawless.
• Celebrate the small wins. Finished revising a tough topic? That’s a win – give yourself some credit.
• Be kind to yourself. Exams come and go, but your mental health sticks around. Look after it.

You’ve Got This!

At the end of the day, exams are just one part of the whole uni experience. Yeah, they matter, but so do you. Managing stress, staying connected with others, and actually using the support that’s out there can make a huge difference. You don’t have to push through it alone.
If you’re looking for extra tips or just want to chat with someone, check out the Wellbeing Portal. 
We’re all in this together, you’ve got this!