It is completely normal to feel anxious about exams and assignments. During busy periods it is important that you take time for yourself so that you can stay relaxed, focused and perform at your best.
Explore some of the activities you can get involved in over the coming weeks to help you unwind, find support and advice as well as look after your wellbeing below.
Academic Skills Hub
Online resources and workshops are available to help you develop skills in areas you may need additional support in; these include topics such as getting the most out of lectures, time management, Excel, understanding assignment briefs, critical thinking, academic writing and more.
You can also book a 1:1 appointment with an academic skills tutor for tailored support and guidance. Book an appointment now or explore the support available on the Academic Skills Hub on Brightspace.
Library, walk-in service and free snacks
Both the Sir Michael Cobham Library at Talbot Campus and the Weston Library at Lansdowne Campus are open 24 hours a day for you to study and work in a quiet space. Please remember to bring your student ID card to access the space - you can check access times on the BU website.
From Monday 11 May snacks will be available around 11am on weekdays on a first come, first served basis to those using the space to provide your brain a boost whilst you work.
If you need help with an issue or would like guidance on academic writing, English language skills, mathematics or statistical analysis you can walk-in and speak to one of our academic skills tutors in the library on:
- Talbot Campus, 12pm – 2pm on Tuesday 19 May
- Lansdowne Campus, 12pm – 2pm on Tuesday 12 and Tuesday 26 May.
In addition, we’ll be running a special exam wellness week from 26 to 28 May in the Sir Michael Cobham Library, where you can enjoy cool drinks and treats while getting support from tutors and librarians on exam techniques and wellbeing.
Exam wellness drop-in
Take a break from revision and get support and advice from our advisors, as well as a free cold drink and snack. Drop-in to the Sir Michael Cobham Library between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May.
SUBU wellbeing events
Your Students’ Union at BU (SUBU) have also scheduled events starting from Monday 13 May to help you explore mindfulness or take a breather from your revision:
- Paint & Sip: Tote Bag Painting – Wednesday 13 May, 11am – 5pm
- Mindful Mandala Colouring – Monday 18 May, Thursday 21 May and Tuesday 26 May, 12pm – 2pm
- Out In The Woods – Wednesday 27 May, 1pm – 2:30pm
- Tea Thursdays – Thursday 28 May, 1pm – 2pm
- Ice cream and chill pop-up – Thursday 28 May, 11:30 – 2pm.
Student study tips
Discover revision advice from your fellow BU students:
- Danielle's 'stress-free studying'
- Lily’s ‘healthy habits to create as a student’
- Imogen's 'how to cope with the stresses of uni'
- Sam's 'top places to escape exam stress in Bournemouth'
- Hannah’s ‘revision technique: what style of learner are you?’
- Q Amos’ ‘study tips for students’
Or listen to the study tips edition of the Flat 111 podcast. Where Georgia, Charlotte and George – three BU students, ResLife assistants, flatmates and friends discuss their top study tips. Is it best to cram for an exam or revise little and often? Do rewards help you study? Should you break up your revision with Netflix? Sit back, relax and listen to find out!
Looking after your wellbeing
It's a really important time to look out for yourself and your friends. Find advice for managing exam stress and make sure that you know how to access a doctor, in case you need to.
Find advice from both the NHS and your peers while you're preparing for exams and make sure you're fully prepped with our exam do’s and don'ts.
If you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious, please contact the Student Assistance Programme or SUBU Advice for support. You can also visit the University Front Room on Talbot Campus if you are struggling to cope or feel yourself reaching crisis point.
If you are looking for help out of hours you have free access to the Student Assistance Programme 24/7 confidential phone line at 0800 028 3766, or you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123.
