Written by Chloe Debono
Ironically, I’m writing this blog as a procrastination from doing my assignments and studying for my exams. Procrastination definitely gets the best of me at times, but even more so when it comes to uni. Hopefully these tips help with managing your upcoming exams and assignments.
Plan Out When Everything is Due
The first step is knowing what’s coming. Having a clear visualisation of due dates can help you start planning with when you need to start your exam prep and assignments. Using a calendar – digital or physical is extremely helpful. The university offers poster calendars and are great to hang up in your study space/room for a visual reminder.
Going to Classes
Although you might have classes that are non-compulsory, they can help with content that you would miss, as well as providing information that can be extremely helpful with your assessment tasks.
Breaking Down Larger Tasks into Smaller Tasks
Looking at a 2000-word essay at first can be extremely overwhelming and may make you want to shut down before you even start – but breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts makes things feel more achievable. For example, instead of having ‘write essay’ as the task, you can break it into the following sections:
- Understand the question
- Look at the task description
- Look at the marking criteria and write down what you need to include
- Research the topic
- Plan different paragraphs/main points in essay
- Draft essay
This is just an example – feel free to break it up however suits you best!
Using this method helps me feel a sense of progress when completing tasks, making me feel more productive and less overwhelmed.
Discussion Board – Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to use your subject’s discussion board, you’ll often find your peers have asked similar questions or are needing clarification on a topic that may increase your knowledge on how to complete the assessment.
Ask for Support
If the exam and assignment stress is too much, remember to reach out. The university offers free counselling sessions that can assist with this.
Look into applying for extensions, most subjects will allow you to have one 7-day automatic extension.
If the subject doesn’t offer a 7-day automatic extension, or you have already used it and you are undergoing difficult/unforeseen circumstances, get in touch with your subject coordinator, and check if your circumstance is accepted for applying for a special consideration extension.
Balance
Although your assessment tasks will feel like your main priority, remember to take care of yourself, this can be through:
- Engaging in physical activity and moving your body
- Surrounding yourself with nature or friends
- Eating nutritious meals
- Getting enough sleep
Exams and assignments can feel like they’re taking up your whole time, remember it’s ok to take breaks and to look after yourself during this period.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
