So it’s that time of the year again. The majority of us who are still in education are coming up to that time of the year when revision days are in full swing and exams are creeping closer, possibly faster than we would like…

At times like this, it is so so easy to get yourself worked up with the vast amount of work and let negative emotions take control. Yes, for most, this is a time filled with a lot of pressure and when multiple tasks must be completed to close deadlines. This can mean, even for the most organised, your focus feels torn and you feel like you have little time for anything else in your life.

I know for me personally, the main thing I have to keep telling myself is that this period is intense… but it doesn’t last forever. It is only a very short amount of the academic year and with exams starting and ending (usually within a couple of weeks of each other) there really is light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not as far away as it may as first seem.

Although it may seem to be restricting your freedom and choices from day to day because you constantly have revision hanging over your head like a big grey cloud, once you’ve done it, you are free! Summer is here! And you want to get to this point and be able to say that you gave it your all so you can enjoy your break knowing that you did everything you could have. This way, when results day comes around, you know whatever comes from it, you tried your best and the result is the best it can be.

Another point to remember in this period of the academic year is that you are not in this alone. Granted, some people deal with this pressure better than others but when you realise that everyone around you is going through the same thing and your struggles are not unusual, you will feel far more at ease. Use your friends and work together – chances are if it’s something you don’t understand, someone else will and visa versa.  Also, teaching someone something you have learnt is a great way of cementing it in your brain. If you’re anything like me, you need to go over things a million and one times before remembering it; so any way of doing this in an alternative way is always welcomed. This is another way to escape the four walls of your room, which can often become all too familiar when glued to your desk day in, day out. A change of scenery can do wonders for motivation.

The university has a lot of support systems operating during exam time too. The library’s opening hours become 24/7 so if you and your friends want to come armed with energy drinks and snacks to keep each other awake and get a full night of work done you can. There is also a ‘keep calm week’ provided by ‘Student Services’ on campus. This is a week where opportunities such as free fruit and water stalls, yoga sessions, organised walks/jogs and even ‘pooch pettings’ (This is where a big group of dogs come to campus and you get to play with them! What is more relaxing than puppy cuddles??), are all arranged for the students benefits and all are completely free to partake in.

The Student Service building on campus also offer opportunities for ‘Revision Tips’ talks and ‘Stress Management Sessions’ – you are never alone at Loughborough. If there is something you need help or guidance with, just ask and the help is there.

On that note, I hope whatever you are revising for right now, goes as well as it possibly can for you. Remember, we are all in this together and summer is only around the corner – we’ve got this!!