My top tips to tackle assessment season

If you’re a student at King’s, most likely your short-term future includes a nebulous constellation of assessments. Between coursework, essays and exams, April and May can be notoriously difficult months for students. However, all is not lost – here are my top academic and wellbeing tips to survive assessment season like a pro.

Academic tips

Fail to plan, plan to fail

First things first, get clear on what exactly needs to be done. I often write down a list of all the deadlines to help me to visualise better what comes first. From there, it can be easier to allocate some time to each task, in order of priority.

Using time blocks

When I’m facing a longer-term deadline (read: writing a dissertation), I divide my day into time chunks. By assigning a time chunk to a certain task, you’ll ensure that a big project doesn’t surprise you two days before it's due!

Consistency over perfection

Days where you don’t feel productive are completely normal. The key is not working at 100% all the time, but making small steps regularly.

Seeking support

When I’m unsure on how to approach an assessment, I check out King’s Academic Skills for Learning (KASL). It’ll give you access to a wide range of activities and resources to improve your learning. Also, don’t forget to reach out to your professors and classmates.

Wellbeing tips

Sleep

I know all too well that, with mounting stress, it might be tempting to adopt the late-nights-in-the-Maughan strategy. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation only takes you so far. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep every night to feel at your best.

Walking

I find that taking short walks (especially on sunny days) is a game changer in releasing anxiety and stress. It might feel like a waste of time, but it makes all the difference to get out of your head and approach things calmly.

Seeing friendly faces

Challenges can seem much harder if you face them alone. Whether by going to the library or inviting some classmates over, company can completely change how you approach studying (for the better!)

Reducing screen time

Feeling sluggish? You might not like it, but limiting your TikTok doomscrolling time can help you feel better. Swap it with some stretching and see where that takes you.

Nutrition and hydration

Drinking enough water and fuelling your body with balanced meals (featuring veggies and protein) can make a massive difference to how you’re feeling. Try preparing a recipe you like in batches at the beginning of the week and have it ready to go as you leave the house.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling, don’t fall into thinking that you’re alone. Consider getting in touch with friends or classmates who might be feeling the same way. Also, King’s support services are here for you if you need them. You can reach out to KCLSU Advice for both academic and non-academic help. For wellbeing-related questions, you can talk to Faculty Wellbeing Advisors and King’s Wellbeing team. Finally, remember, you’ve overcome challenges in the past – you’ve got this!