Support each other through exam season

Exam time can be a stressful for everyone. It’s a period filled with deadlines and the pressure to perform well. During this time, creating a respectful and supportive atmosphere is essential to help everyone stay focused and perform their best in exams.

Here are 5 ways you can be respectful to your flatmates, neighbours and peers.

Keep noise levels down 

Quiet time is essential during exam season, especially in shared spaces like libraries and study areas where your peers are clearly trying to concentrate. Here are some simple ways to reduce noise, whether your flatmate is studying next door or you're hanging out in the common area: 

• Wear earphones/headphones
• Don't slam doors
• Avoid having a large group of friends around
• If you do have friends over, use inside voices and close your door

Share study resources

If a classmate asks for help, consider sharing your notes, study guides, or useful resources. By sharing, not only can you help each other succeed but also build a great friendship - you may even get a new study buddy!

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

In a group study session? 

It is important to limit distractions to keep everyone in the group focused. Set clear boundaries and goals for the study sessions to help stay on topic and respect everyone equally. 

Avoid using your phone too much, give each other short recharge breaks and be mindful of everyone's schedule so you can use your time together effectively. 

Take care of your physical space (and others')

A cluttered environment can result in a cluttered mind. As a flatmate, be aware of the mess you create and how it can affect others - especially if they're finding this period of time very difficult. 

Whether it's coffee cups, snack wrappers or your own study materials, make sure to clean up after yourself to keep the environment as hassle-free as possible. 

Avoid spreading stress 

Exam time can bring out the best and worst in people, which is why it's so important to be mindful of others' feelings. Everyone has different wants of coping. Discussing how much you've studied or how challenging a subject is might increase others' anxiety, everyone works at their own pace. 

Offer support, not judgement, whether your peers choose to share their emotions during this time or not. Focus on offering encouragement to those around you.

Small acts of kindness (even if it's just making a cuppa) and consideration can make exam season a little easier for everyone 😊