How to survive exam season

Mindset & Planning: The Foundation for the Exam Period

Clear goals instead of chaotic studying 

Success during the exam period doesn’t start with the first lecture notes, but with a clear plan. Use these tips for managing your time during the exam period: clear SMART goals, priorities and a realistic study plan. Ask yourself: What is really important? Set yourself specific study goals for each subject and focus on the topics that will yield the most benefit. Prioritise your tasks and start each day with the one to three most important to-dos. This will help you stay focused – even when the mountain of revision seems insurmountable. 

Set specific, measurable goals for each subject, for example: 

• “Revise Chapters 1–3 actively” 
• “Create flashcards for formulas” 
• “Achieve at least 80% in the self-test” 

Next, use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritise: 

1. Important & urgent – do immediately (e.g. assignment, first past paper) 
2. Important but not urgent – firmly incorporate into your study plan for the exam period (e.g. revision, flashcards) 
3. Urgent but not important – delegate or postpone 
4. Neither – cross off 

Early notification of exam dates, compact attendance blocks and hybrid formats at Dresden University of Applied Sciences help you to plan your time management during your studies realistically – less chaos, more control, even when studying alongside work.

Creating a study plan: weekly schedule & buffers 

A good study plan for the exam period gives you peace of mind; use the following exam tips: Break the material down into stages, schedule fixed study times and build in buffers for revision and breaks. It’s better to have regular, shorter sessions than hours of cramming in one go – that way, more sticks in your mind. Also, always plan backwards from your exam dates: 

• Group topics 
• Roughly estimate the effort required 
• Plan 2–3 focus blocks per day 

Leave a 20–30% buffer for revision and the unexpected. A quick start (e.g. ‘note your goal, start the timer’) and finish (‘brief recap, to-do list for tomorrow’) help you maintain your rhythm. 

Depending on your study mode, you can use these guidelines as a rough guide: 

• Full-time students: two study blocks per day + one day off 
• Part-time: two evenings + one weekend block 

In our part-time degree programmes in particular, flexible study models and practical support help you to tailor your learning perfectly to your exam dates, as well as to your job and everyday life. 

Assess the scope of the material, plan for past exam papers 

To ensure you study effectively, mark all topics using the traffic light system: Green means you’ve got it and just need a quick revision; Yellow means you need to consolidate your knowledge; Red means you need targeted comprehension work and plenty of revision cycles. Work on past exam papers early on – first without aids (assessment), later as a simulation under real exam conditions. Incorporate these steps into your study plan for the exam period so that your time management during your studies remains measurable. Base your study time on point values rather than gut feeling: secure points first and focus on lower-value ones where it’s worth it. 

At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, you benefit from the fact that deadlines and assessment requirements are communicated early and transparently on a programme-specific basis. Consultation hours with lecturers, the student advisory service and feedback from teaching staff will help you tailor your goals and methods to exam formats and marking schemes. Use existing sample questions, past papers and the expected standards for your degree programme to prepare yourself optimally for the upcoming exams. 

Small routine, big impact 

Start each study session with a clear goal, switch off distractions such as your mobile phone, and briefly note down what you’ve achieved at the end. This will help you stay motivated and see your progress – even on long days.  

Conclusion: With clear goals, a realistic study plan and small, consistent steps, you can master every exam phase. The practical structure of the FHD supports you in getting through the semester stress-free and successfully.

Bachelor’s degree programmes at the FHD

Effective study methods: How to really learn

Not every learning technique works for everyone in the same way. The key is that it fits in with your everyday life. Effective time management during your studies is therefore particularly important. At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, learning is designed to be practical and tailored to the individual. This means you’ll be given methods that can be integrated into your everyday student life – whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. The learning culture at Dresden University of Applied Sciences is designed so that questions are encouraged and you don’t have to wait long for feedback. 

What is Active Recall & Spaced Repetition?

Instead of simply reading through texts, it is more effective to actively test yourself. This method is called Active Recall. Write down questions on key topics and regularly check what you can answer from memory. Supplement this with Spaced Repetition – that is, revising at increasing intervals. This helps consolidate what you’ve learnt in the long term, and saves you from endless revision just before the exam. In practice, this works well with a flashcard system, where you divide the material into cards and align them with your study plan for the exam period. 

For working students: keep your study methods simple and reliable. Two to three evenings a week plus a weekend block are sufficient. What matters is not so much the length of your study sessions as their regularity. The FHD’s supportive atmosphere is not just a nice-to-have, but a performance booster: clear structure in teaching, tangible feedback, personal support. This way, you can not only know the methods but actually use them – with less stress, more control and a study routine that holds up even during exam periods.  

Finding a learning rhythm: for example, with the Pomodoro Technique

A simple rule: you learn better in shorter, focused bursts than by working through material for hours on end. Set yourself time slots of around 25 to 50 minutes, followed by a short break. One of these techniques is called Pomodoro.  With this method, you study in intervals of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This technique helps you stay focused and process what you’ve learnt more effectively – especially during exam periods. Set a timer and stick to your break times. 

Tip: Before you start studying, decide what you want to achieve in this session – for example, ‘actively revise two topics’ (Active Recall) or ‘complete a practice exercise’. This creates clarity and keeps you motivated to follow your study plan during the exam period.

Study group vs. solo: When does what work

Whether on your own or in a study group: use both strategically. On your own, you can concentrate better and study at your own pace; in small groups, you can explain, discuss and thus consolidate the material. Draw up a brief agenda, take turns explaining, identify gaps in your knowledge and then fill these in on your own.  

At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, study groups often form naturally – thanks to small seminar sizes, practical projects and close contact with lecturers. This open learning culture, personal support and top-quality teaching make it easier to support one another and stay on track. 

Boost your concentration & stop procrastinating

We’ve all been there: you want to start studying – and suddenly everything else seems more important. The key lies in reducing distractions and establishing small routines that get you into the ‘flow’. Here are some simple tips for the exam period to help you boost concentration and overcome procrastination. 

Focus Environment & Digital Detox

Concentration is less about willpower and more about your environment. Turn off notifications, consciously put your mobile phone away (digital detox) and create a dedicated study space. A tidy, quiet workspace signals to your brain: it’s time to work; fixed study times (e.g. 25/5 or 50/10 focus blocks using the Pomodoro technique) support your time management whilst studying. If you study regularly at the same times, you build a habit, and over time this becomes easier and easier to stick to.

Small steps instead of perfectionism 

The most common reason for procrastination isn’t ‘laziness’, but feeling overwhelmed. Large tasks can quickly seem too complex – that’s why it helps to break them down into small, achievable steps and integrate them into a study plan for your exam period. This could include, for example: 

• “Revise five flashcards” (Active Recall)  
• “Read through Task 1” 
• “Work through a sample calculation” 
• “Write the introduction” 

Every small step forward motivates you and ensures that you’ll get through your exam period successfully. 

Boost your motivation with if-then plans

Simple but effective tricks from psychology are so-called If-Then plans. They help you respond effectively to difficult situations and overcome procrastination. Example: “If I notice I’m scrolling on my phone, then I’ll put it aside and read a page from my notes.” Such clear agreements with yourself take the decision-making off your hands and make it easier to stick with it, even when motivation is lacking. 

At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, the welcoming atmosphere works in your favour: short distances to lecturers, encouraging feedback and a culture where asking questions is the norm. This lowers the barrier to asking for help early on and keeps you on track. Make active use of consultation hours and advisory services, block out study times in your calendar just like appointments, and schedule them around attendance periods and deadlines. This way, focus becomes part of your daily routine – and procrastination loses its grip.

More useful information about your studies

Health during exam season: sleep, diet and exercise

It is precisely during the exam period that people often cut corners in the wrong areas – namely sleep, a balanced diet (brain food) and exercise. Yet it is precisely these three factors that are crucial to how well you can concentrate, retain information and recover. If you look after your health, you also reduce stress during the exam period. The good news is that small, reliable routines are enough.

How much sleep do you need during exam season?

If you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll find it harder to retain what you’ve learnt. Whilst you sleep, your brain processes information and consolidates knowledge into long-term memory. So, sleep is your biggest learning booster. Ideally, you should aim for seven to nine hours, with a fixed wake-up time, even at the weekend. Pay attention to your evening routine: to wind down, switch off your screen, dim the lights and spend your evening doing calming activities such as a yoga session or journaling.

On the evening before the exam, it’s enough to refresh your memory of the key topics and bring them back to mind. Then it’s best to go to bed early. Don’t spend the night diving back into the material head-first.  

Tip: Plan your study day like a working day – with clear start and finish times. This signals to your body when concentration needs to be ramped up and when it’s time to rest.  

Brain food & hydration: What should you eat during exam time? 

Your brain uses around 20% of your daily energy and needs ‘good fuel’ to do so. Light, nutrient-rich meals with whole grains, fruit, vegetables and plenty of water help to keep your energy levels steady and boost your concentration. Avoid sugar or caffeine spikes – they often lead to lapses in concentration. 

Brainfood: 

• Complex carbohydrates such as oats, whole grains 
• Proteins (eggs, yoghurt, salmon/tofu) 
• Healthy fats (nuts, seeds) 
• Plenty of vegetables and berries 
• 2–3 litres of water: On exam day, small, regular sips are better than large amounts all at once.

No-gos: 

• Heavy, greasy meals 
• Sugary drinks 
• White flour 

A little boost to get you started: Nuts, porridge, bananas or avocado are real brain food classics. Perfect for a study snack between sessions.

Short exercises & breathing techniques: How can I reduce stress during exam time?

Regular exercise improves blood circulation, reduces exam stress and boosts your concentration. Even short breaks involving movement, such as a walk or a few stretching exercises, help to clear your head. The same applies here: exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous – the main thing is to do it regularly. 

You should take a break and move around every 45–60 minutes. Just one to three minutes is enough: stand up, roll your shoulders, do some squats or take a short walk. This reduces tension, boosts your alertness and breaks the monotony of study stress.  

Some breathing techniques can also help you cope with stressful situations:  

• Box Breathing: Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four. The key is the longer exhalation – it takes the pressure off the nervous system.  
• 4–7–8 breathing: inhale for four, hold for seven, exhale for eight – the longer exhalation takes the pressure off the nervous system. 

Just before the exam, two calm breathing cycles are enough; then concentrate on question one.  

Tip: The Dresden University Sports Centre (DHSZ) offers numerous courses that you can also take during the exam period – from yoga to functional fitness. This way, you can stay active without neglecting your studies.  

If sleep problems, inner restlessness or persistent tiredness are holding you back despite these basics, seek support early on – in the form of study coaching or, if necessary, consult a doctor.  

More topics on study guidance

Coping with exam stress and exam anxiety: How can I approach my exam with confidence? 

Nervousness, sleepless nights, worrying about possible questions – exam stress and exam anxiety are part and parcel of university life. However, what matters is how you deal with them. Mental strength can be trained, much like a muscle. 

Understanding & normalising symptoms

A certain amount of stress is actually helpful: it activates your brain and helps you stay focused in exam situations. It only becomes a problem when the stress gets out of hand. Then worries and self-doubt block your concentration. 

Symptoms of exam anxiety: 

• Heart palpitations 
• Shallow breathing  
• racing thoughts 

To overcome exam anxiety, taking a step back is helpful: What am I feeling right now? What am I thinking? What do I do then? Name the signals (“This is tension, not proof of failure”) and refocus on what you can control. 

Accept stress as a normal part of the learning process. Instead of getting annoyed by your nervousness, you can see it as a sign that the exam is important to you and that your body is preparing you to perform on exam day.

Immediate strategies: breathing, reframing, reality check 

Mental strength doesn’t develop overnight, but through conscious practice; this is how you manage exam stress in exam situations. Regulate your body first, then your mind.  

• Visualisation: Imagine yourself sitting calmly and focused in the exam, answering questions confidently and recalling what you have learnt. This mental preparation boosts your self-confidence during the exam period. 
• Breathing techniques: Deep, conscious breaths lower your heart rate and signal to your body: everything is under control. Particularly helpful just before or during the exam. 60–120 seconds of prolonged exhalation is often enough: four seconds in, six to eight seconds out – slowly, through the nose.  
• Structured approach: Organise the exam: What exactly is being asked? How many marks do I need? Which tasks can I handle with confidence? Write down two or three keywords and decide on the order. This way, you replace the disaster scenario with a task to be completed. 
• Positive self-talk: Replace thoughts like “I’ll never manage this” with “I’m well prepared and will do my best”. Phrases like these help to overcome exam anxiety and measurably improve performance. 

To manage exam stress, structure your daily routine like a short sprint. First, get an overview, check the points and decide on an order. Then start with the points you’re confident about. If you get stuck, move on. Practise dealing with stress in small doses before the exam.

For oral exams, the rule is: explain each topic aloud for three minutes, collect typical follow-up questions, record yourself once on your mobile phone and adjust your pace, terminology and transitions. Plan what you’ll do in a ‘worst-case’ scenario: if you get stuck, take two calm breaths, secure the remaining points, mark any gaps and move on. This takes the fear away because you know what to do in scenario X – a practical checklist for the exam phase in your head.

Seek support 

If the symptoms of your exam anxiety persist, such as lack of sleep and constant worrying, seek support early on. This is easier in the welcoming atmosphere of the FHD: short distances to lecturers and encouraging feedback help you to avoid dramatising the exams and instead make them manageable. You don’t have to deal with this alone. 

If you learn to see stress as a companion rather than an enemy, you’ll strengthen your resilience – and approach every exam with greater calm, clarity and self-confidence.

Especially for school pupils (A-levels & sixth form)

The A-levels are more than just a final exam; they are your springboard to the next stage. Between study periods, exam stress and questions about the future, a clear plan helps you keep on top of things. What matters isn’t how much you study, but how focused your efforts are. With the right strategies, you can channel your energy into what really matters – and build routine, confidence and composure. 

The following tips show you how to prepare optimally for written and oral exams, how to involve teachers and parents effectively – and how to develop study habits now that will give you a real advantage later on in your degree, for example at Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD).

Oral/written exams: Systematically ready for the A-levels 

The A-levels test not only knowledge, but also structure, focus and self-management. In written exams in particular, confidence in the format counts for more than gut feeling. Practise using real or similar past papers, consistently time yourself and get used to the pace and the logic of the questions. Get an overview at the start, check the marks allocated and begin with the questions you’re confident about. Pay attention to verbs such as ‘describe’, ‘analyse’ or ‘discuss’ – they show you exactly what is being asked. 

Repeat typical question types until the process becomes second nature: read – structure – solve – check. This saves you stress and earns you valuable marks. 

In your daily study routine, a structured mix of methods helps: 

• Active Recall for facts and definitions 
• Spaced repetition for efficient revision 
• The Pomodoro Technique for rhythm and focus 

Keep your study sessions short and clear: one goal, one timer, one result.
Turn your notes into small flashcards, work through them consistently and end each session with a question: What went well? What can I improve next time?

This way, your knowledge grows not in leaps and bounds, but in steady steps – ideal for the intensive exam period. 

For oral exams, the rule is: practise out loud – not just in your head. Formulate short three-minute explanations for each topic (thesis – evidence – conclusion) and simulate follow-up questions. Record yourself once to check your pace, technical language and structure. Just before the exam, breathing techniques can help to manage exam nerves.  

Confidence comes from practising speaking like a sport: regularly, briefly, and purposefully.

Involve parents and teachers effectively

Success in the A-levels is a team effort, but you’re the one calling the shots. Involve teachers and parents in a targeted way, rather than just letting them ‘look after’ you. Be clear about where you need support: ‘I need an overview of topic X, two past papers and a brief prioritisation.’ 

Use consultation hours to ask specific questions and bring your study plan with you. At home, fixed study times, a quiet workspace and a ‘mobile phone parking spot’ ensure focus. Short check-ins (ten minutes, two to three times a week) keep you on track:

• What went well?
• What’s next?
• Where are you struggling?

When you start at Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD) after your A-levels, you’ll encounter a learning culture that reinforces exactly this approach: personal support, quick feedback and a welcoming atmosphere where asking questions is the norm. This makes the transition from school to university easy, with strategies that will see you through your A-levels right from the start.  

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Especially for students (essays, oral exams)

A degree course is not a sprint, but a well-planned marathon. What matters is how you study, not how long – with clear tips for the exam period and effective time management during your studies.
Those who set priorities early on, establish clear milestones and make use of the support available at the university will have more control and less stress. 

Selecting material & module focus

Your academic success will grow if you align your focus, methodology and framework. Select material strategically, structure assignments pragmatically and view oral exams as a performance you can control, not a surprise. 

Start each module with an overview: learning objectives, mark allocation, typical question types and exam formats. The FHD’s clear teaching structure helps you with this, as expectations are transparent and examples become tangible. A quick reality check with lecturers can save you hours of detours. 

Mastering assignments & oral exams

For assignments, the rule is: a precise central question, a clear structure and small submission milestones. Formulate a clear thesis, plan your evidence chain and conclude each chapter with a mini-summary. Organise your sources from day one (e.g. Zotero/Citavi). Build your argumentation according to the principle “thesis – argument – evidence – consequence”. Organise your sources from day one, note down keywords and tag literature by relevance. 

Set yourself small deadlines: question framework, outline, first draft, final polish. Support with writing your dissertation or final thesis at Dresden University of Applied Sciences speeds up this process – you receive targeted feedback on structure, argumentation and formal requirements. Through practical tasks such as case studies or project reports, you can apply theory directly.

Practice helps with oral exams. Turn your notes into question-and-answer cards, develop a three-minute pitch for each topic and practise answering follow-up questions. Practise defining terms clearly (“By this I mean…”), distinguishing concepts (“Unlike …”) and applying knowledge (“Taking the example of …”).

Exam day strategy during your studies 

Plan your study time backwards from fixed deadlines. Treat attendance blocks as fixed points, with comprehension phases before them and revision and application phases after them. 

In short: choose your material with a plan, write with structure and practise oral exams as if they were a performance. With the framework provided by Dresden University of Applied Sciences, study stress becomes a clear process, effort becomes visible progress and exam anxiety becomes confidence in your ability to perform.

Studying alongside work: balancing studies, career and family

Studying whilst working is a real challenge, but also a great opportunity. With good planning, you can maintain a balance between work, study and your personal life. The aim is not perfection, but effective time management whilst studying without becoming overwhelmed. Small, steady steps will take you further than long study sessions that never happen. 

At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, you’ll find the right conditions for this: fixed dates set early on, compact attendance blocks, hybrid learning formats and personal support. This allows you to integrate your studies flexibly into your daily routine – with a learning atmosphere that motivates rather than overwhelms.

Weekly routine & time slots

Studying alongside work means: planning realistically, starting small, staying consistent. A fixed weekly routine helps you keep track of things and use your energy effectively.

What has proven effective: 

• 2–3 study evenings per week, each lasting 90–120 minutes (e.g. in 45/10 intervals) 
• a weekend block for revision or larger tasks 
• 20–30% buffer time to manage stress 

Plan backwards from exam and submission deadlines and group similar tasks together: 

• Reading and note-taking in one block 
• Flashcards and revision in the next step (active recall and spaced repetition) 
• Practice sets or past exam papers in the third step

Put challenging topics at the start, routine tasks at the end. Short micro-sessions are particularly suitable for commuting times (10–20 minutes), for example using flashcards on your mobile phone. 

Transparency brings relief: 

• Mark study times clearly in your calendar (“Mon & Wed 7–9 pm”) 
• Clarify exam periods or block courses with employers at an early stage 
• Agree clear time slots and tasks with your family 

Short check-ins help keep everyone up to date: What’s coming up? Where are the sticking points? What do I need?
This keeps your study plan realistic – and those around you on board. 

When energy is low, the rule is: do the minimum rather than stop altogether. Spend ten minutes revising, five minutes tidying up or doing a mini set of exercises. The main thing is to keep up the rhythm. 

And for particularly busy weeks: shorten study sessions, focus on topics you’re confident with, and revise rather than diving into new material. Once this phase is over, ease back into things step by step. 

Flexible formats & services at universities

Make consistent use of the FHD’s advantages. Early fixed dates and compact attendance blocks give you planning security; hybrid/online elements and partly recorded teaching sections allow you to flexibly fit in-depth work into your free slots. Top-quality teaching and rapid feedback from lecturers prevent downtime: you know early on what matters in assignments and exams, and can focus your study time accordingly. Dresden University of Applied Sciences helps you set priorities, break down assignments into manageable milestones and prepare for oral assessments with short dress rehearsals.  

Make active use of your professional experience: many students apply what they learn directly to their jobs, for example through practical projects, case studies or process analyses of real-world business problems. This saves time and makes your studies immediately relevant. Often, topics can even be tailored so that they earn you marks in your studies whilst simultaneously benefiting your career. 

Ultimately, reliability counts more than volume: fixed study times, small daily progress and clear communication with your employer and family. Combined with the flexible structures of the FHD, part-time study becomes achievable – step by step, realistically and successfully.

Overview of study formats

Tools & Templates

Good tools don’t automatically make learning easier – but they do make it more reliable. The key is that they are simple, clear and tailored to your daily routine. A clear plan and small routines have a greater impact than any flood of apps.

Study Plan Template (Weekly) & To-Do Template

Start with a simple weekly grid that you plan backwards from your exam dates.
This way, you can see at a glance which topics need to be mastered by when, and keep your time management under control during your studies. 

Tips for your weekly schedule:

• Plan two to three focus blocks per day (45–60 minutes each) 
• Set aside 20–30% buffer time for revision (spaced repetition) and unforeseen events 
• Mark attendance weekends and block courses at Dresden University of Applied Sciences as fixed dates 
• Schedule comprehension phases before and revision phases after (active recall and mini-tests using old exam papers) 

It’s easier to get started if you briefly kick off each study session:
→ Note down the objective, start the timer.
And at the end:
→ Summarise briefly and note down a to-do for next time. This keeps your study plan and exam phase template up to date. 

For the day, a half-page to-do list is sufficient, containing: 

• three MITs (Most Important Tasks) – i.e. the three most important tasks 
• a next step for each one (“What exactly do I do?”) 
• estimated effort (S, M or L) 
• a Pomodoro counter for small moments of success 

Under ‘Blockers’, note down what is likely to distract you (e.g. Messenger, unresolved issues) – and the countermeasure straight away.
Finally: What went well today? What is the first step tomorrow? 

That’s all it takes to stay on track.

Exam schedule & past paper log

To help you identify where your study efforts will pay off, create an exam roadmap for each module: 

• Topic clusters 
• Estimated time required 
• Points 
• Traffic light status (green = mastered, yellow = still need practice, red = unresolved) 

This way, you can see straight away which content you’ve mastered and where there are still gaps. A supplementary log of past exam papers shows your progress in black and white: date, setting (diagnosis or simulation), result, typical mistakes, ‘Note for next time’. 

These two documents prevent you from flying blind – especially during intensive FHD phases with compact learning units. 

Apps for focus & organisation: Anki, Focus Timer, note-taking/planning tools

A well-thought-out app stack keeps your daily study routine organised – not lots of apps, but the right ones. 

Recommended tools: 

• Anki for revision and flashcards (Active Recall, tags per module) 
• Focus timers with automatic breaks (25/5 or 50/10) 
• Note-taking and planning tools such as Notion, OneNote, Trello or Todoist 
• Calendar for coordinating attendance times, deadlines and study blocks 

In short: one page for the week, half a page for the day, a clear exam schedule and three lines of reflection. Combined with the predictable structures of the FHD, this creates a system that works – less stress, more control, visible progress.

Common mistakes during exam time – and how to avoid them

Just before exams, a lot of things run on autopilot. That’s exactly when routines creep in that take up more energy than they’re worth. The good news is that almost all typical mistakes can be avoided with a few small adjustments.

1. Passive rather than active learning

Many people read lecture notes endlessly or highlight text – without really testing themselves. That rarely sticks. Switch to active recall early on: 

• Ask yourself questions. 
• Say the answers out loud. 
• Repeat at short, fixed intervals. 

This is how you anchor knowledge for the long term – rather than just recognising it. 

2. Starting without a plan or priorities 

“I’ll just learn everything” sounds motivated, but it’s inefficient. 

Instead, use a weekly schedule and set MITs (Most Important Tasks): 1–3 clear learning goals per day, focusing on high-scoring topics and key concepts. This improves your time management during your studies and fits into your revision plan for the exam period – even during the stressful final exam phase. 

3. Underestimating exam formats 

Many students surprise themselves by only looking at past papers shortly before the exam. Better: 

• Use past papers early on as a diagnostic tool to identify your weaknesses. 

Later, use them as a simulation, including time pressure and follow-up work. This will help you get used to the format and time constraints – exactly what counts in the exam. 

4. Studying without breaks or sleep 

Performance requires breaks. Study sessions of 45–60 minutes with short exercise breaks in between keep your brain and concentration sharp.
Sleep is not a luxury, but study time – during which your brain stores and organises information. 

5. Ignoring lingering uncertainties 

Small gaps often become major sources of stress. Seek support early on: study coaching, writing advice or mentoring can help you clarify specific questions and set priorities.
   

Exam day: Tips – A 10-step guide

1. Arrive early (allow 30–45 minutes) 
2. Take two minutes to breathe calmly 
3. Check your materials: pens, aids 
4. Skim through the questions, decide on the order 
5. Start with the questions you’re confident about 
6. Set time markers and stick to them 
7. Plan short breaks 
8. Don’t get stuck – mark it and move on 
9. Check at the end: evidence, working, name 
10. Hand in – and switch off