Tips from a fourth year veterinary student.
Exam season is a stressful time for every student, regardless of the course you are studying.
At vet school, it just so happens that we sit A LOT of exams, and I really do mean A LOT. Inevitably this means we spend a large proportion of our time either studying or preparing for exams.
After two degrees and seven years of trying every revision method under the sun, I feel confident in sharing a few pieces of advice with you all on how you can survive exam season this year.
Revision Timetable
One of the easiest ways to reduce your stress levels around exam time is to create a revision timetable.
There are plenty of free templates available online that you can download and use to map out your revision schedule prior to your exams.
The most important factor when creating your revision timetable is to be realistic when setting your goals and in your expectations.
You don’t need to micromanage every second up to the day of your exams as this can end up causing you more stress if you fall behind, but it can help to give designate a certain topic or task to a day in the week to help with consistency during the revision period.
Study Groups
Many people prefer to work in study groups rather than studying alone in the library or at home.
Study groups are an excellent way of making the revision process more enjoyable and comes with the added bonus of allowing you to quiz each other on different topics!
If you struggling to stay focused during your study group sessions, setting a clear aim or objective at the start of the session can help you remain focused and keep each other accountable.
Take regular breaks
Vet students have the tendency to feel as though they must be revising 24 hours a day, or they will NEVER pass their exams.
It’s something we all struggle with, but if you don’t take time out for yourself occasionally you will end up burning out.
Don’t feel guilty for scheduling in days off during the revision period, it’s just as important that you look after your mental and physical health.
Reach out to friends & family
If you are struggling with the pressure of exam season, make sure you reach out to your friends or family members and tell them how you feel.
The pressure to always achieve can be really overwhelming at times, and it’s important that you have a good support system around you to help guide you through the highs and low of vet school.
If you are sitting your exams in the next few weeks or months, remember that nothing will ever be as important as being kind and gentle with yourself during this time.
Failing an exam, although upsetting at the time, isn’t the end of the world.
You’ve passed exams before, and you are more than capable of passing them again.
Good luck, and remember… You’ve got this!
Written by Georgia Owen, Fourth Year Vet Student at The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
