It is important that our students are mentally and physically ready to handle the volume of work during examinations and to approach each examination opportunity with confidence. Student Affairs' Elmien Sinclair, Educational Psychologist and Head of the Unit for Academic Counselling and Development at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development of Stellenbosch University (SU) shared some important tips on how students can become mentally and physically ready for the exams.

Listen to some inspirational and wise words from SU's honorary doctorates to the students of Stellenbosch

1.      What is the best way to start and not be overwhelmed by the mountain of work in front of you?

• Make a study timetable.
• Don't wait until you feel ready to start working. Chances are slim that it will happen. You must make a conscious decision to start working.
• Break your work down into digestible chunks. This will help you to get it more organised.
• Study the difficult parts during the times of the day when you are most productive.
• Early in the morning and later in the evening are great revision time.
• Always remember: “How to eat an elephant? One bite at a time!"

2.      What tips are there on study methods and effective use of studying time?

• Everyone is unique and different. What works for a friend will not necessarily work for you.  Rather do not copy your friend's studying methods unless you process works and learn in the same way.
• Be creative and use what you are comfortable with to memorise your work. Think of different colours, mind maps, flashcards, bullet points, keywords and more.
• It is also not a rule to study in a stereotypical way by sitting behind a desk. You can walk around in your room; have notes pasted all over; talk to yourself or sit in the garden.
• Some people study better with instrumental background music, others with scented candles burning and others with absolute silence.
•  It's important to find out what works for you because how we are taught to study at school does not necessarily works at university. 

3.      What is the best way to cope with this stress and turn it into positive energy?

• Schedule time for relaxation.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Set small goals for yourself and reward yourself for the hours you put in.
• Laughter is the best medicine, so try get a good dose of humour too.
• Don't forget to take care of yourself; eat regularly, because you are burning a lot of energy while studying.
• Drink lots of water and exercise.
• Don't drink too much coffee and avoid energy drinks.

4.      How often should students take breaks and what are ideal ways to spend this time off?

• Research shows that the average person can concentrate constantly for approximately 25 minutes.
• If your concentration span is 20 minutes, then take a 5 minutes break in-between and do 2 to 4 sets of 20 minutes before taking a longer break. It is important to take short breaks while studying.
• Consider using the Pomodoro Application for time-management
• Do something during your break that can take your focus away from your studies. This way you will be rejuvenated for the next session.
• Definitely avoid snacking on junk food, surfing the internet or going on to social media and excessive caffeine intake.
  
   

5.      What should you be doing just before writing an exam? Any useful tips?  

• Get a good night's rest
• Don't try to cram way into the night.
• Have a healthy breakfast.
• If hearing people chat about what they have learnt and it stresses you out, then put on your earphones and listen to your favourite music.
• Believe in yourself

If you need academic counselling or support, make contact with the Centre for Student Counselling and Development in Victoria Road 37 or visit SU's website at www.sun.ac.za/cscd. Also, follow Student Affairs and #SUexam on Facebook for regular study tips