The Final Battle: Exam Block

Here it is… exam block… The two-week finale where students university-wide are able to demonstrate the fruits of what they have learned throughout the semester.

For a student, this is the equivalent of the final battle before the end of the movie – the epic fight between Harry Potter and the dark lord Voldemort, the showdown between Spiderman and the Green Goblin, the battle of the Morannon in Lord of the Rings…. See where am I going with this?

When it comes to this time in the semester, stress can be sky high and motivation to study can be at an all-time low. However, this can be overcome with prior preparation and by having the right support networks in place. To avoid the exam block ‘SOS,’ USQ’s student services provide timetables and stress-management fact-sheets to assist and help manage students to over-come exam block anxieties.

It’s brilliant to know you’re supported, especially in this time of the semester. In addition to the fantastic student services support, USQ provide several means for students to get help – whether you study on-campus or via distance education.

One thing I have come to understand through my three years of university study is that each student has their very own unique and individual methods of preparation for exam block. Despite my endless search for the perfect methods of exam study, I have found the following three exam-stress tips provided by the USQ student guild extremely useful in my exam preparation:

1. Develop effective study habits: Establish a study area, find out as many details as you can about the exam, prior to exam block, and use past exam papers to aid in your preparation. The use of to-do lists and study time-tables are beneficial in planning revision in the lead up to exams. Forming study groups may also be an effective way to collaboratively prepare for an exam.
2. Keep a routine outside of study: Remember to take regular breaks, eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Despite time being of the essence, students need to maintain a regular sleeping pattern and make time for exercise.
3. Manage your expectations: Most of all, put your exam into context, be happy with your achievements and know what you are capable of – just like the W. Clement Stone quote, “always aim for the moon, for if you miss, you’ll land amongst the stars.”

With the light at the end of the tunnel quickly approaching, I wish all students the very best in their exams this semester. For all those reading this post who want to know how I best prepare for my exam block, this video will pretty much cover it (and provide some laughs along the way).

Study Hard, and enjoy the summer break!

Jordan

A Formal Distraction

I think I can safely say on behalf of everyone around the world who is studying, we all need a long holiday to revitalise our minds. Even though we’re only into the third week of this short term, I have already completed 2 assignments with another 3 due this week. With 7 due this term, I’m sure I’m not the only one who will celebrate when it’s all over. I cannot wait for the holidays, a time where I do not have to think about how to manage a crisis or which grab to use from an interview.

Thankfully, living on college has its perks. Concannon is full of distractions for those moments when my brain is too fried to string together a logical sentence. So instead of thinking about stressful things such as assignments and exams, I am going to take you to a land not so far away where Golf Day and Formal are an annual distraction from the lead up to those pesky exams.

The first Thursday back at Concannon, groups of 4 crowded around Clifton Golf Course in crazy costumes armed with cans of Red Bull to give us wings – or at least our golf balls. As can be expected from a group of girls in the hot sun and uncomfortable costumes, we completed the first two holes before having a well-deserved break which lasted the entire afternoon. A BBQ lunch and a few drinks later, the day ended with a bus ride home full of rowdy singing boys.

The hype of Golf Day did not last long with preparations for Formal becoming stressful leading up to the event. Formal is the time of year that everyone anticipates. It reminds us of high-school graduation, except this time most of us can drink. With a few things going horribly wrong (smoking lights) there was stress that the decorations could possibly become a fire hazard. To the relief of our social co-ordinator, Rianna, the night went off without a hitch. The girls were ready several hours before-hand, while the boys were running a little bit late, particularly my boyfriend, Dean, who was putting his tie on 2 minutes before the group photo. However, the dining hall beautifully displayed the Winter Wonderland theme and the non-alcoholic daiquiris were a hit!

While it is very important to get assignments completed and handed in on time, it’s just as important to remember to relax and let go every now and then. By organising time for Concannon events into my study schedule, I can revitalise my mind to string those simple-but-complex-sounding sentences together and hopefully get better grades.

Now, I guess I should get back to studying.