Get out of the house to study

"You might’ve heard this advice a few times, but especially when the work is starting to pile up more, making sure you have another space to get it done is vital for keeping a clear head. Although it’s tempting to stay in bed or on the sofa with a hot water bottle when the weather is cold, when you’re a couple of hours into studying like that, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll put the laptop down and pick your phone up instead.

For essay writing, Queen’s McClay library is the perfect place for a quiet atmosphere, and I find that an hour or so in there is the only thing I need to start feeling inspired to do work again. Especially in the colder months, if you sit near the windows in the library, the seasonal lights and decorations are a lovely view while studying."

Eliza Walton, Broadcast Production graduate, England

Don’t be too harsh on yourself

"Constantly pushing yourself to perfection leads to unnecessary stress. It can even backfire by leading to burnout. If you fall short on an assignment, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Consistency is what leads to sustainable success, not perfection. Queen’s University offers support systems like tutoring, academic advising, and mental health resources to help you navigate the challenges. Don’t hesitate to use them when things get tough."

Sai Sree Kurra, MSc Management graduate, India

Give your body and mind the rest they need

"Many times we think that the more work we do on our thesis, the better the result will be and that therefore we have to work tirelessly and without rest. Do not allow yourself to fall into these toxic thoughts and give your body and mind the rest they need."

Isabella Barros De La Rosa, MA Violence, Terrorism and Security graduate, Colombia

Listen to background study music to keep you focused

"When I completed my assignment, the sense of relief I felt was unmatched. I proofread it one last time, did small editing touches, and submitted it through Canvas, which was an effortless and straightforward task. One thing that worked for me was having some background study music that kept me focused for an extended period."

Ghada Al Fakih, MSc Clinical Health Psychology graduate, Lebanon

Maintain a support network

"Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can greatly reduce stress and calm the mind. Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Even a short daily practice can make a significant difference in your stress levels. Don’t isolate yourself. Maintain a support network of friends, family, and peers. Discussing your worries and fears can often provide relief and offer new perspectives."

Sarah Geraghty, Human Biology student, Ireland

Record yourself

"This may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! I like to film myself practising OSCE skills to identify weak areas in my communication. Remember, your communication is graded by both the examiner AND the patient. Therefore, try to be incredibly honest with yourself when watching your video. Are you communicating clearly? Are you explaining examinations simply and without medical jargon? The earlier you pick up on your weaker areas, the faster you’ll be able to improve!"

Radhika Gupta, Medicine student, NI

Make use of Queen's resources

Queen’s offers a wide range of support services including access to a database designed to help students navigate academic life and enhance their personal and professional development. The following workshops, led by experienced consultants, are tailored specifically for graduate students to improve their writing, research, and communication skills.

Rushikesh Mahajan, LLM Law and Technology graduate, India

The McClay Library and JSTOR have become my friends

"Research is vital. There will be many different topics to delve into, and since it will be a scholarly essay, I’ll have to quote scholars. I want my sources to be reliable, so the McClay Library and JSTOR have become my friends on this course. Reliability is one factor, relevancy is another. There’s no point adding extra information into my essay if it doesn’t illuminate what I’ve already written."

Tiffany Murnaghan, English with Creative Writing, NI

Have something to look forward to each day

"My friends and I call it ‘misery prevention’ - doing something nice for ourselves during exam season each day. This can be something small - lunch outside when it’s sunny, a walk to get coffee in the middle of the day, a chocolate bar - or something bigger, like an evening off to the cinema or a takeaway from your favourite place for dinner.

Exam season can feel long and bleak - having a few things planned throughout it to make the period more enjoyable is something I’ve found to be great for my mental health over the years, because it helps me to appreciate the small things and feel like I’m working towards a reward each day. I highly recommend!"

Kathryn Allen, Medicine graduate, NI

Find out more

Group Study Spots at Queen’s

Our Students’ Favourite Things about their Courses

Managing Expectations by Mastering Your Priorities in University Life

Queen's Student Bloggers