Tips on preparing mentally for your exams

How can you be your best mentally?

By remaining motivated, such as by reminding yourself exactly why you’re here and why you chose your degree program. Set yourself achievable objectives, then divide the tasks you need to complete into smaller pieces or units, and plan them out on a daily schedule. That will allow you to organize your work, tangibly see the progress you’re making day after day, and have fewer of those moments when you doubt you’ll make it. 

To stay concentrated, we suggest you set priorities and reduce temptations and distractions. For example, calling friends or family members can provide reassurance and support and help you relax – more so than going on social media or playing video games, which drain your brain’s energy and lead to fatigue. 

Avoid becoming overburdened with worries or conflict situations. If the problems are urgent, it’s better to deal with them immediately so that they’re not constantly on your mind. If they’re not urgent, you can decide to deal with them once your exams are over.

Maintain your physical and mental balance by adopting a routine, getting enough hours of sleep, eating healthy meals at regular times, getting fresh air every day and taking breaks.

Stay calm and positive

Being stressed about taking exams is normal and human nature. Knowing that this affects everyone can help you view the stress differently and turn it into a motivating ally. Staying calm will enable you to concentrate on the work you need to do and the exams you need to pass. Here are some tools to help you manage stress.

Think positive statements. For example, if you find yourself thinking “I will never make it,” remove the negative word from your statement and experience the uplifting energy you can get from a statement like “I will make it.”

Studying for exams is like running a marathon, and positive visualization can help. For example, play out mentally the scene where you are taking an exam, and imagine yourself relaxed and answering the questions with ease.

Be organized

Being organized lets you better anticipate the risks and make the right decisions. Gather together the materials you will need in advance – writing materials, a calculator, etc. Having to look for something is already a distraction.

Tips on preparing mentally for your exams

• Use stress management methods, such as deep breathing and visualization. YouTube has an array of videos on this topic. There are also many apps available (on iPhone and Android) to help. Most of them are free, and some include a subscription option. Ones you might want to try are Respirelax+ (cardiac coherence), Petit Bambou (which has a section specifically for students), Namasté, Calm and Headspace.
• Establish a routine and study schedule/planning, along with breaks.
• Take some time every day for outdoor exercise – walking, jogging or whatever else you enjoy – so that you can release tension and recharge your batteries.

Other resources 

• EPFL’s MOOC on study habits and stress management: Apprendre à étudier (in French)

EPFL support services:

If you would like to speak with someone, our Social Consultation offers free, confidential appointments with counselors. They can help identify what you need and help you to find the right resources. You can also schedule an appointment with the Psychotherapeutic consultation.

Take care!

The EPFL Social consultation, Student Affairs (SAE)