Mental health tips for VCE students: staying calm & confident during exam time
Exams can be stressful, but they don't have to take over your life. Remember, this time is about showcasing what you've learned and how much you've grown. It's your chance to shine and flex your unique skills and knowledge. Sure, there's a grading element, but it's not everything. This too shall pass, and your worth isn't defined by marks alone.
Let's talk about some strategies to help you manage stress and make the most of this period.
1. Remember: you're not your ATAR
A number doesn’t define you — especially one tied to your performance in your teens. There’s a growing number of ATAR critics, from principals to students. Our Mitchell Institute in their research ‘Crunching the Number’, found that “there’s a growing disconnect between the role ATAR plays in schools and universities.”
That’s why VU does things different to our competitors, teaching with our award-winning VU Block Model® while steering away from systems designed to categorise students by numbers.
The ATAR has its place, but remember that VU offers a multitude of pathways to getting you into your chosen course.
2. Explore study spaces in Melbourne
Studying at home can be, well, boring. Plus, it’s hard to get into good habits when you’re in a room you’ve spent a lot of time doomscrolling in. Melbourne has many accessible study spaces. If you’re interested in checking out those VU has on offer, read about them here, and you can reach out using the chat function (below right) or visit our contact us page if you have any questions.
3. Stay connected
Maintain regular contact with friends and family. A quick chat or study group session can provide emotional support and keep you motivated.
4. Physical health matters
Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining mental health. Melbourne's parks and gardens are great places for a refreshing walk or jog.
If you’re a VU Early Entry member, you’ll also have 30 passes to attend the VU gym and try the facilities before you enrol!
5. Take regular breaks
Heard of the Pomodoro Technique? Use it. Methods like this — that schedule small breaks into larger bodies of work — are shown to produce better results than marathon study efforts.
Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks during study sessions, and enjoy increased focus and productivity.
6. Practice mindfulness & relaxation techniques
Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga – whatever helps you chill. Mindfulness-based practices have been shown to reduce stress, and make our negative thoughts seem less threatening.
For a quick reset, use the four-seven-eight technique. Exhale deeply through your mouth, take a deep breath through your nose for four counts, hold the breath for seven counts, exhale through your mouth for eight counts, repeat four to eight times.
7. Plan & prioritise
Get organised! OK, it’s not that simple, but even attempting effective time management can reduce stress. (Pro tip here: if you think something will take one hour, plan for two. Trust us.)
Use planners or apps to organise your study schedule, ensuring you allocate time for breaks and leisure activities. There’s nothing better than guilt free leisure time, so plan it into your day.
8. Mindset not grindset
Celebrate small achievements and focus on the effort, not the outcome. When you’re feeling unmotivated, ask yourself why you’re interested in the area you want to study. Visualise your future success with this qualification. Think of times you overcame hurdles.
By using these strategies and resources, you can navigate your VCE exams with confidence and maintain your mental health. Remember, your ATAR doesn’t define your future, and VU offers many pathways to success.