Free periods and exam seasons can make a student feel completely overwhelmed or prepared, depending on how they are used. When students use Learning Commons wisely, they can become periods for growth, and exam stress can become controllable, rather than something to stress you out. Manipulating unstructured time and free periods can boost academic performance and help manage stress and concerns about exams, improving overall academic and mental well-being.
One of the best ways to manage free periods is by being organised. Instead of scrolling or going out with friends, reviewing class notes and studying for upcoming tests can go a long way in terms of long-term academic success. Reviewing flashcards, quizzing yourself or doing a few practice problems help, and these quick review sessions are incredibly more effective than studying the whole unit the night before. Spending free periods doing homework liberates time at home, further reducing last-minute pressure and potential cramming. A study found that when students prepared regularly before class and didn’t cram, exam scores rose by about 12 percentage points on average, with particularly strong increases in results for females and students with low GPAs.
However, free time isn’t only reserved for academics, they are often incredibly useful when used for personal growth. The key is to use your time intentionally and strategically, by deciding what you’ll focus on, whether that be reading, going on a walk, doing a hobby or planning for the weeks ahead.
Nevertheless, as the year goes on and exam season draws closer, it is natural for stress levels to increase, but can become harmful when it feels constant and overwhelming. One of the most effective ways to manage this stress is by preparing and creating realistic study schedules. These can break big amounts of content into smaller, more manageable sections. Studying material little by little and creating space for breaks can help build confidence, and show clear progress.
As well as this, a balanced lifestyle plays a significant role in stress management. Eating balanced meals and drinking enough water support brain function as well, and physical activity helps release tension and improve mood, even if it is something as simple as stretching or a short workout. A healthy sleep schedule is essential for memory and concentration, and while staying up late to study may seem productive, it often makes it harder to focus the next day. It has been proven that in a group of students taking university finals, those who averaged at least 8 hours of sleep in the week of exams scored around 5 – 8 percent higher on the final than those who slept less.
In conclusion, using free periods wisely and practicing healthy stress management strategies can allow students to enter exams feeling confident, balanced and in control. While exams are very important, it is key to remember that grades do not define you, and staying calm and in control of your stress in tense periods is also key.
