Work Smarter, Not Harder: My Personal Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) During Exams

Some advice and techniques to thrive this exam season from Eshwinder, your VP Welfare.

Hey everyone! It’s Eshwinder here, your VP Welfare.

I know exactly how it feels when the library starts feeling like your permanent home and those textbooks start looking like a different language. Here is some advice and techniques to thrive through the exam season:

1. The "45/15" Power Move
Study for 45 minutes straight no phone, no distractions and then take a full 15 minute break. Use that break to actually step away from your desk. It resets your focus so that the next 45 minutes are actually productive, rather than just "staring at a page" time.

2. Flashcards are Your Best Friend
For heavy modules like Audit or Law, don’t just read. I made flashcards for every key concept. Testing yourself (active recall) is more effective than just highlighting a textbook. If you can explain a card to yourself in 30 seconds, you know it.

3. Feed Your Brain (Literally)
We often reach for sugar when we're stressed, but that just leads to a crash. I found that eating foods with "good fats" - like walnuts, avocados, or salmon kept my mind sharp. Think of it as high-quality fuel for your "mental engine." Also, stay hydrated! Even mild dehydration makes you feel sluggish and unfocused. Keep a reusable bottle with you at all times.

4. My Secret Tip: The "Brain Dump"
Before you go to bed, write down the top three things you need to do tomorrow. It stops your mind from racing at 2 AM and lets you actually rest. Remember, sleep is when your brain actually stores what you learned that day.

As your VP Welfare, I want you to remember that your grades are important, but your well-being is everything. Don't be afraid to take a breath, ask for help, and remind yourself that you’ve got this.

See you around campus!

Eshwinder Singh VP Welfare, QMUL Student Union

 

Recent News

Staying in London this Christmas? Here’s your quick guide!

Thu 11 Dec 2025

Here’s some things you need to know so that you can make the most of spending Christmas in London.

 
Your Executive Officers propose additional London weighting on UKRI stipends

Wed 10 Dec 2025

Did you know that the current London weighting of PGR stipends is 10% behind inflation levels? Hassam (VP LIP)

 
Update on campus community relations and financial investments

Tue 09 Dec 2025

An update from our Executive Officers and members of the University’s Senior Executive Team (SET) on the Good

 
Students’ Union Christmas Opening Hours 2025

Fri 05 Dec 2025

Please check individual venue details carefully as hours vary over the festive period. Normal opening hours re

 
Queen Mary Student Wins National Award for Community Impact

Thu 04 Dec 2025

Gowri Promy has been named the Community Impact Award Winner at the #WeAreInternational Awards 2025.

 
 
see more news