Personal finance expert shares five pointers to help students through exam season.

  

Approximately 5 million people take GCSE examinations in the UK each year. In addition to this, students in higher education take examinations linked to their college and university courses.

82% of teachers say that exams have the biggest impact on the mental health of their students. It’s estimated that 40% of pupils experience exam anxiety, and the NSPCC have reported a 10% increase in exam stress-based counselling sessions.

 

1. App-solutely awesome online tools

‘When it comes to revision, it can be tricky to know where to start, especially if you’re studying multiple subjects. Creating a revision plan could be a hugely beneficial first step. You can print out various templates – including this basic timetable - to kickstart your studying goals.

Make the most of free online resources, such as BBC Bitesize and Studywise.

‘If you’re really struggling to get your head down, check out the Forest app, available to download from the App store and GooglePlay for £3.99. Forest encourages users to stay focused by planting a virtual tree. Your tree will grow while you ignore your phone and get on with your task for a set amount of time. If you exit the app before the timer ends, your tree will die. Stay on the app and your tree will flourish. Over time, users can grow their own virtual forest.’

2. Resourceful revision

‘Now that your epic revision plan is in place, it’s time to get down to business. Log out of Netflix and remove all distractions, such as your phone. Set aside a designated amount of time for your studying but be sure to include adequate breaks to give your mind a rest.

‘Even with these tactics in place, we understand that things aren’t always plain sailing.

Many of us have been there: those days when you literally cannot get your head down to revise. You open your book and read the same line over and over again, but nothing sinks in. Brain fog can leave us feeling mega frustrated – the more worked up we become, the less we’re able to concentrate.

‘Take a step back. It may sound like a cliché, but being kind to yourself is imperative during exam season. Don’t beat yourself up if your revision schedule doesn’t go according to plan – there are so many things that can affect our ability to focus, including dehydration and a lack of sleep. Getting outside and taking a walk can clear our head and help us recharge.’

3. Stress management

‘It can be very easy to downplay the symptoms of stress. We may try to mask our feelings because we don’t want to make a fuss or worry those around us, but this can make things worse in the long run.

‘There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to friends or family, is there a trusted teacher or lecturer you can reach out to? Has your school, college, or university got a student support mentor who could offer some advice?

‘Sometimes, expressing our troubles out loud isn’t easy. You can access free support online from a range of websites, including Young Minds, Student Minds, and Students Against Depression.

‘The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and you absolutely can and will make it through this.’

4. Penny-wise presents

‘Looking to treat the brainbox in your life to a little pre or post exam boost? Whether you’re hoping to spoil a friend, family member, or yourself, we’ve included some of our favourite affordable gift ideas below*.

· We love this exam survival kit. It’s packed with positivity and thoughtful little tokens, and costs just £6.75.

· Chocolate makes everything better! Help keep revision munchies at bay with this personalised exam snack box. Prices start from £12.

· Dainty yet mighty powerful, this cute bracelet – priced at £3.25 - comes with inspiring GCSE wishes.

· Avid gamers will adore celebrating the end of exams with this cool mug, complete with a quirky gaming caption. At just £8.23, we think this is a real bargain.’

5. Cost-effective celebrations

‘Congrats - you did it! After months of hard work and seemingly endless revision, you’re finally free! There are plenty of ways to celebrate without rinsing those precious summer holiday savings.

· Colour parties are a fun trend sweeping social media at the moment. Each guest is allocated a colour prior to the party and must bring drinks and snacks of their designated shade. For example, if you were given the colour blue, you could buy Cool Doritos, Chips Ahoy, blueberries, and Powerade.

· Are you a school leaver, as well as exam conqueror? Why not host a kitchen disco, complete with a playlist stuffed full of songs released over the course of your school journey? For instant retro school disco vibes, add buffet food and nibbles.

· If you have a student discount card, check out the associated app or website for offers on activities and days out. At our time of writing, Student Beans have discounts on tickets for Alton Towers, Sealife, and Tenpin bowling.’

  

-ENDS- 

About Viva Money 

 

Viva Money is not a lender but is a fully regulated and authorised credit broker. Viva Money is a registered Trading Name of Digitonomy Limited, Registered in England and Wales (Company number 08385135), Registered Office; Steam Mill Business Centre, Steam Mill Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AN. Digitonomy Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number: 690249. Licenced by the Information Commissioners Office, (registration number ZA007309)       

   

Website: https://vivamoney.co.uk/ 

   
Dan Whittaker - Personal Finance Expert at Viva Money    

   

Dan has worked in the consumer finance sector for over a decade in a number of roles, including developing and maintaining commercial partnerships, marketing, and digital development.    

    

Dan has strong market and product knowledge across a range of consumer finance products including, but not limited to, credit cards, savings, loans, and mortgages.

*Prices correct as of 26th March 2024.