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

What have your Exec Officers been up to? - 26th October 2026

Thu 05 Nov 2026

Find out what your Exec Officers have been up to over the past few weeks.

What have your Exec Officers been up to? - 14th October 2026

Wed 28 Oct 2026

Find out what your Exec Officers have been up to over the past few weeks.

Could you be a part of the next QMUL University Challenge Team?

Thu 15 Oct 2026

We’re putting together a team full of QMUL’s top quizzers to go head-to-head against other universities in nex

What have your Exec Officers been up to? - 28th September 2026

Tue 13 Oct 2026

Find out what your Exec Officers have been up to over the past few weeks.

AI is already part of student life – is QMUL ready?

Tue 13 Oct 2026

QMSU’s Student Voice team explored how Queen Mary students are using GenAI.

see more news