Dealing with Stress and Anxiety in Assessment Season
University can be stressful at times. Pressure to do well in assessments and exams can be a lot.
It’s completely normal to feel worried about your assessments.
So, here’s some advice if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Signs of stress
Stress and anxiety can look different for everyone, but here are some common signs:
- Irritable
- Feeling worried a lot of the time
- Having sleeping troubles
- Muscle aches and headaches
Talk to your friends and family
- If you’re struggling, then it’s good to talk to someone that you trust
- You can ask them for advice or just talk to them about your worries
- It can be good to share your stress as to not let it build up
- They can also help to take your mind off things, if that helps you
Chat to your lecturers or academic advisor
- If you’re feeling stressed about a specific module, then chat to your lecturer.
- All they will want is to help you, so ask them any questions or for advice.
- There are also options for extensions on your assessments if needed, which you can talk to your lecturers about.
Take some time for yourself
- Assessments and exams usually fall around the same time in the semester so it’s important to take breaks and to not burn out over the period
- Make sure you’re still doing the things you like, such as hobbies and seeing friends
- It’s easy to let uni become the main focus, but it’s important to prioritise your wellbeing
Chat to the wellbeing team
The university has a Wellbeing Service that offers advice which is completely confidential, non-judgemental and free of charge.
These are a few of the services they offer:
- Advice and Guidance Appointments
- Wellbeing Drop-ins
- Talking Therapies
- Skills Training
- Peer Mentor Support
- Support Groups
They can be contacted on wellbeing@chi.ac.uk
Remember, there is always support available and you are not alone.