08 June 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Unsplash
Exam survival guide: Key tips to help students successfully navigate the challenges of exams and achieve academic success.
The UFS Mid-year examination week commenced this week, and as expected, the period of academic pressure is also underway. During exams, many students feel various types of emotions. These emotions range from fear, anxiousness, to happiness and joy on being able to answer some of the questions correctly. 

For students, the exam period not only tests their intelligence, but also their mental health. 

The Department of Student Counselling and Development aims to help students deal with life and its challenges. It also aims to promote mental health to students on its three campuses, especially during the exam period.

To help provide students with the help they need, Student Counselling and Development is offering tips on how to cope during the exam period.

What to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed

SCD offers various mental health services to students. These range from free individual counselling, workshops, and webinars that help students tackle issues of mental health, dealing with stress, and self-love. In addition, they also provide free confidential telephonic counselling 24/7 on their toll-free hotline for students who are struggling.

Mental health tips during exams

  • Exercise and eat healthy. This keeps you feeling energised and will improve your performance. 
  • Take short breaks. This will help make sure that you don’t feel overwhelmed and gives you mental relief.
  • Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping eight hours keeps you and your brain energised to start the new day.

The Dos and Don’ts during exams 

DO use past exam papers and tests to study. Some exams repeat questions, so it is advisable to study using those as they might come in handy in the future. 

DON’T study at the last minute. Plan your study timetable weeks in advance to avoid being overwhelmed in the exam week.

DO keep up with your reading. This helps to solidify your understanding of what you have learned.

DON’T study overnight. Overnight studying drains your energy, and you won’t retain the information you have studied long term. 
 
For more information, please visit www.ufs.ac.za/kovsiecounselling where you will find many resources and tools to help during this stressful exam period.

Student Counselling and Development Contact Details

Toll-free student care line available 24/7: 0800 00 6363

Bloemfontein Campus
T: +27 51 401 2853
E: scd@ufs.ac.za

Qwaqwa Campus
T: +27 58 718 5125

South Campus
T: +27 51 505 1298


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