During assessment periods we want to make sure that you receive the support you need what can be a very stressful time for students. Our Exam Plus support bring you tips and activities to help you to stay calm, keep healthy and achieve your potential. Take a look at the schedule and resources below to find out what's on offer.

Mental health and wellbeing

You can access a number of self-care mental health resources from the counselling and mental health service as well as bookable appointments

Managing academic stress

It's normal to feel increased stress during the assessment period, but there are still steps you can take to help to reduce your concerns and help you to reach your potential. Take a look at the following sites for further tips on dealing with exam stress:

Mindful breathing

Mindful breathing is a helpful practice that can be particularly beneficial to help to reduce stress. Take a look at this demonstration video and try to incorporate mindful breathing when you are experiencing academic stress.

Healthy eating

It can be tempting to slip out of healthy eating habits during a busy assessment period and rely on takeaways and convenience food. But it's really important to eat a balanced range of healthy food to help you to stay energised. Take a look at some quick, easy and healthy meals.

Free fruit

During the main university assessment periods, the campus library offers free fruit available for any students studying in the library.

Mindful walk

For a break from studying, take a look at Sport Keele’s guidance for taking a mindfulness walk (pdf: 133kb)

Exercise

NHS Fitness Studio: free online fitness videos, aerobics videos, strength and resistance videos, pilates and yoga videos and more.

General tips for Happier Living
Bullet journalling

A bullet journal can be a great way of helping you to get organised. The start of the assessment period is a great time to think about your academic targets, and record these in a creative way. Just search 'bullet journal' on any social media platform for ideas and inspiration.

Library support

Academic Librarians are here to help Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. You can chat to them via phone, email, video call ​or in person.

Study skills resource collection

There are lots of resources from the library to support you during the assessment period.  You can take a look at what's available here and reserve online.

Academic support

There is support available from the academic skills team with guides available on organising your studies, reading and research, planning and writing, and delivering presentations.

Write direction

If you’re struggling with your assessments at the moment, whether it’s not knowing how to structure an essay, or finishing off a lab report, don’t forget that the Student Learning team is still available for support.

You can arrange a Write Direction appointment - head to their website to book in.

1. Create a study routine 

It’s important to plan your day effectively, rather than just waking up and deciding on each day what you are going to work on. You will make the most of your time this way. Use your phone calendar or get yourself a diary to help you plan. Include your daily to-do lists and deadlines.

2. Set achievable goals 

Instead of setting overall goals such as 'complete essay', break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps, e.g. 'complete introduction by ...' This will help you to feel more motivated when you can tick off your achievements.

3. Work in time blocks and take breaks

Break your day into 60-90-minute blocks. Assign a task from your to-do list to each of the blocks so it links back to your goals. Make sure you take a break away from your workspace in between each study block, whether that's making a cup of tea with friends or going for a walk around the block.

4. Avoid social media while studying  

This can be a hard step to take, but turning off notifications for apps like Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp will really make a difference. Every time you get a message and look at your phone, you're pulled away from what you were concentrating on and studies suggest that it can take nearly 30 minutes to refocus after being distracted.

5. Look after yourself and your environment

You won't be able to perform to your full potential if you don't take care of yourself. Make sure you get into a routine of eating well, moving your body and getting enough sleep. Making your study environment clutter-free can also have a positive impact on your ability to focus on your studies.

If you need to talk to someone, whether it’s about your studies or life outside of them, we have a Student Experience and Support team based within your Faculty to support you, including a member of the team dedicated to every School.

You can book an appointment to speak to the advisers in your School or Faculty at the buttons below, or you can attend our drop in at Tawney Building on Mondays 10am to 12pm, Tuesdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm, Thursdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm and Fridays 10am to 12pm

If you’d prefer to contact them via another method, just get in touch with Student Services as usual.

On a Combined Honours degree? Don’t worry if you are part of two different Schools or Faculties – access support via either of your Schools/Faculties and we will ensure you get the most appropriate support.