School Sweet, But Exam Na Wahala! My Real-Life Exam Survival Tips

Wetin concern enjoyment with exam stress? 😂 I used to ask myself this anytime we were nearing exam period. One minute, you’re vibing with friends, gisting under the mango tree or playing ball after lectures ,the next, your timetable drops and boom! Your whole body go just reset. Hello everyone! My name is Are Adeniyi, and this is my very first time writing in this amazing Student Connect community. I’m excited to finally be here, and I look forward to connecting with great minds who understand the struggle and sweetness of student life. Let’s dive right into this week’s interesting topic.

I’ve graduated from the university, but let’s be honest, the memories of exam period still feel fresh like yesterday. Exams always had a way of turning peaceful students into prayer warriors overnight. But over time, I discovered some practical things that helped me stay motivated, and maybe someone out there can relate or pick a thing or two.

My “Why” Was My Fuel

One of the biggest motivations for me was remembering why I was in school in the first place. I came from a humble background where I knew education was my shot at a better future. So anytime I felt tired or lazy to read, I would picture myself receiving my certificate with my parents smiling in the crowd. That mental image alone was enough to push me back to my books.

Group Reading With Sense

I used to do group reading, but not with everybody. I had a small circle of friends who were serious minded but also funny. We balanced learning with jokes and laughter, so it didn’t feel too intense. We would assign topics, explain to each other, and take turns asking past questions. It worked like magic, especially for courses that needed explanation.

Personal Routine: Breaks, Snacks, and Sleep

During exams, I didn’t joke with short breaks. I’d read for 2 hours, take 15 to 20 minutes to rest or eat something light like groundnuts, biscuits, or fruits. I also discovered that sleeping well helped me retain information. Reading overnight didn’t always work for me, so I stuck with early mornings when my brain was fresh.

Positive Self Talk

I’m not even going to lie, there were times I felt like I wouldn’t make it. Courses like statistics or some wicked calculations would make you question your whole existence. But I started telling myself things like, “Adeniyi, you’ve got this,” or “You’ve survived worse; this one no go kill you.” Speaking to myself that way helped reduce anxiety.

Reducing Social Media Distractions

I reduced my time online during exams, especially on Instagram and WhatsApp. Even if I didn’t delete the apps, I would mute many chats and avoid trending topics. That way, I could focus better.

In summary, exam periods are never easy, but with the right mindset and strategy, they don’t have to be hell. Everybody has their own way of handling the pressure, for me, it was staying connected to my purpose, choosing the right circle, taking care of my body, and managing my time wisely.

So yes, school life is sweet, and even though exams try to spoil the party, na we still dey run am💪😂

Thanks for reading, and I’m looking forward to learning how you all handle(d) your own exam experiences too.

Images are Ai generated