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Feeling overwhelmed? Check out our tips to help you study hard and stay well
Thursday, 29 May 2025
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Stay on track this exam period with our tips and tricks.
As we head into study week, it's time to prepare for your final assessments and exams. Stay on top of your exam preparation with our tips.
Some of your units may have a formal exam, while others will utilise timed assessment or other methods of measuring your learning. Check to see which methods are being used in your units and plan accordingly.
Preparing for a traditional exam
Exams can be stressful, but good planning can make all the difference. These tips can help you stay calm, focused and ready.
Plan Your Study
- Set specific study goals for each day or week
- Use a weekly planner to map out time for each unit
- Be realistic – build in breaks, meals and sleep
- Start early to avoid last-minute cramming. You can download a free study planner at the bottom of this page
Get organised
- Tidy up your notes, slides, readings and handouts
- Create folders for each unit or topic
- Rewrite key content in your own words
- Highlight important concepts, formulas, or definitions
Use active revision techniques
- Draw mind maps or flowcharts to understand links between ideas
- Make summary tables or flashcards to test your memory
- Record yourself explaining a concept out loud and play it back
- Practise questions from past exams or tutorials
- Study with a classmate or join a group to test one another
Prepare for the exam environment
- Find out when and where your exam is being held (check SIMO or Canvas)
- Know what materials you can or can’t bring (e.g. ID card, calculator, pen, etc.)
- Do a practice run: set a timer and sit a past paper under exam conditions
- Get familiar with the rules and guidelines for your final exams and assessments
Take care of yourself
Your brain works best when your body is looked after.
- Eat nourishing meals and stay hydrated
- Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
- Take short breaks – get some fresh air or move your body
- Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to friends or peers when things feel overwhelming
Need extra support?
Seeking support is a strength and reaching out early can make all the difference. Whenevr you need it, ECU is here to help.
- Academic Skills Centre – Book a free consult for help with referencing, exam strategies, essay writing or managing workload
- Psychological Counselling Support – Free and confidential support is available at Joondalup, Mount Lawley and Online
- The Living Room – A welcoming student wellbeing space with social events and free mindfulness sessions
- ECU Health Service – As the weather gets colder, your chances of becoming unwell get higher. The ECU Health Service provides affordable GP care for all enrolled students. They're also offering free influenza vaccines in May and June