It’s perfectly normal to feel lost and a little down after exams, as sometimes we have higher hopes for our grades and on the day of an exam, not everything works out. Here are some useful tips to banish post-exam blues!

Put things in perspective!

Yes, the exam may have gone badly, yes you may not get the grade you deserve, however, I believe there is much more to life than grades!

I know it is important to do well in uni exams and for students to try their best, however sometimes an exam can come down to luck on the day and maybe you were just unlucky. It's easy to dwell on how the exam went after, something I am guilty of, but instead, keep yourself occupied during the period following exams and before results, and put your time into things you enjoy doing. This will remind you that there is, in fact, more to life than exams and the results of them do not define you!

Don't dwell too much on your performance post-exams

Manage your stress efficiently

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.

Queen’s offers counselling and mental health support services for students, and a Wellbeing drop-in point at the Student Information Point. If your stress feels unmanageable, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance.

Make use of the Queen's Wellbeing Service for support and guidance

Facing the possibility of repeating an exam

The prospect of having to repeat an exam can be particularly stressful. However, it’s important to remember that this is not the end of the world. Many successful individuals have faced academic setbacks and emerged stronger (including myself!). My main tip when it comes to repeating an exam is to develop a new strategy to study the material, be it Pomodoro technique to flash cards, there are many different study techniques that can be used to help.

I would recommend getting in touch with Queen's Learning and Development services if you struggle to find new techniques. It is also important to maintain a positive outlook. Remember that one setback does not define your entire academic journey.

The Learning Development Service at Queen’s provides academic skills support to undergraduate students

Focus on the progress you’ve made and the lessons learned. Remember what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! Use this experience to build resilience. Overcoming challenges is a vital skill that will serve you well in all areas of life. Embrace the opportunity to grow and develop a stronger, more adaptable mindset.

Additionally, seek feedback from your lecturers to understand where you went wrong and how you can improve. This proactive approach not only helps in better preparation for the next attempt but also demonstrates your commitment to learning and personal growth.  When I failed an exam, my lecturer was very helpful and told me what areas I should focus on, which was a massive help and allowed me to cut down on revision in other areas. Remember, setbacks are just stepping stones on the path to success.

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Sarah Geraghty Human Biology | Undergraduate Student | Galway, Ireland Hi! I’m Sarah and I’m from Galway. I’m in my second year of Human Biology. I love studying in Belfast, but it took me a while to settle in! I am outgoing and am always up for getting involved in anything!