Isabel's exam survival guide

If there’s one thing that doesn’t change from high school to university, it's the fact that exam season is always challenging. You yourself might even be in high school currently. As your first semester wraps up and you’re preparing for exam season, you may be worried about what post-secondary exams might be like. 

Listen, I get it. Leading up to my first university exams, I panicked quite a bit. Post-secondary exam season is a big jump from high school exams. The material can be more difficult, the exams are longer and they’re often worth a larger part of your mark (or in some cases, most of your mark). 

Like with all new things, it took time to adjust and find my flow, but I eventually did. Better yet, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has plenty of student support programs to help you out. Through experimenting with my own learning style and getting suggestions from my friends, I’ve made you a list of exam season tips and essentials that I always rely on.

Use student support programs

A great way to prepare for exams is engaging in your school’s support programs. What do we offer at TMU? Here you’ll find plenty of tutoring, support groups and mentorship programs meant to help you succeed. Want to learn and discuss your course materials in a group setting led by students just like you? Then the Supported Learning Groups (SLG) are perfect for you. They host group study sessions for specific courses each semester where you not only gain a better understanding of your course material, but you also get to interact with your peers. If you’re looking to join the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM), the faculty has support tailored just for you on their Success Centre page. 

University exams are a big change that challenge your learning styles and skills outside of academics. TMU offers learning skills appointments where you can learn about time management, goal setting and oral presentations by booking an appointment on their website. Through these services, you won’t only build yourself up as a student, but as a person as well. You also walk away with skills you can use in your day-to-day life. 

Take breaks

While you do need to put time and effort into studying, cramming for hours on end will get you nowhere. If anything, it may even be counterproductive and tire you out. I try to set short schedule breaks when I study. Usually, I’ll study for 45 minutes and take a 15-minute break. I’ll repeat this cycle as many times as I deem necessary. You may have heard of the Pomodoro method, where you study for 25 minutes and take a break for five minutes. Depending on how you learn, you may not need many breaks to rejuvenate your brain. Regardless, whichever way works best for you, always find a way to take breaks. 

Exercise!

Between study sessions, I try to get in a workout. I find sitting in one place and staring at a computer makes me antsy, and it’s harder for me to concentrate or retain information. I try to schedule a workout to help clear my mind and get me moving. I don’t think about my exam or the material, and just focus on the nice break. 

Lifting weights might not be your thing, but luckily, the Recreation and Athletic Centre (RAC) and Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) have plenty of fun classes and programs for you to look forward to when you join us to get you moving. Check out their yoga, Pilates, and dance classes as fun ways to get some exercise in. No matter what you choose, anything that can get you active while keeping your mind off school will help you during your study sessions.

Use flash cards throughout the semester

Instead of taking notes and then making flashcards separately, I find it helpful to take my notes on flashcards right away. Last year, I’d make my flashcards the week before my exams. Doing it this way took up a lot of time without really giving me a chance to study properly. Instead, I now make them throughout the semester to avoid the stress during exam season, and I can quiz myself little by little. I can condense the material down into descriptions that I can easily remember. If physical flashcards aren’t your thing, a friend of mine recommended an app called Anki (Anki for iPhone (external link, opens in new window)  and Anki for Android (external link, opens in new window) ), where you can make digital flashcards. 

Quiet time with minimal distractions

Studying with friends may be fun, but I usually get distracted. Around exam time, I try to set aside quiet time where I study on my own with minimal distractions. For some people, this can look like complete silence, and for others (like myself) I listen to calm music (usually without lyrics). A classic is the lo-fi hip hop YouTube channel, Lofi Girl (external link, opens in new window) , which has been great background noise for many study sessions.

Study somewhere other than home

Something I find really helpful while studying for exams is a change of scenery. Home is where I relax. So, when I’m there, I’m not in the right mindset for studying. I’m also more prone to distractions — be it my books, electronics or just chatting with my family. 

During last year’s exam season, I frequented the fifth floor of the Student Learning Centre (SLC). It’s a good mix of quiet and noisy, and there are plenty of spots to sit and study without getting distracted. You don’t just have to study at school though! Cafés are equally as efficient, and you get the perk of a drink or snack to keep you energized while you study.

Good luck with your exams! I hope these tips can help ease your stress and answer some questions about supports available during exam season here at TMU.

That’s all for this week folks.

Talk to you soon,

Isabel