We’ve all been there - it’s almost the end of the year, exams and assessments are piling up and suddenly everything feels a bit too much. You’re overwhelmed, motivation is nowhere to be found, and the question “why am I even doing this?” keeps popping up. Sound familiar?

If you’re stuck in that spiral, this blog is here to help. We’ve pulled together some practical tips to help you refocus, find your motivation, and head into summer term feeling a little more in control.

1. Find your why - when you’re overwhelmed it’s easy to lose sight of your long-term goals. Instead of obsessing over deadlines and exam stress, try to zoom out. What’s your bigger vision? Where could your degree take you? Surround yourself with inspiration — follow people in your dream field, create a vision board, or revisit what made you choose your course in the first place. Reminding yourself of your why can help reignite that spark.
2. Make studying exciting -studying doesn’t have to be boring. Try switching up your study environment, experimenting with new techniques like Pomodoro, or pairing your study sessions with little treats like a new coffee shop or a favorite playlist. Small changes can keep things feeling fresh and help you stay engaged. Studying from your bed or in the library in the same way everyday can get repetitive, but you can make your focus sessions more exciting by trying new challenges, ‘study with me’ videos, investing in some new stationary or studying in the sunshine by the lakes.
3. Embrace challenge - when studying feels hard, our first instinct is often to avoid it. But challenges are where growth happens. Developing a growth mindset means seeing mistakes, setbacks, and tough material as opportunities to improve, not signs of failure. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about making progress. Shifting your mindset this way can actually boost your performance and make studying feel less intimidating. Find out more about the power of your mindset- https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/dweck-growth-mindsets
4. Practice gratitude - another way to shift your mindset is to practice gratitude. Many people describe this shift as going from thoughts such as ‘I have to study’ to ‘I get to study’. Not everyone has the opportunity to learn at this level, and that’s something worth appreciating. Gratitude can boost your motivation and remind you that studying is a step toward the future you want.
5. Work with your brain not against it - everyone learns differently — the key is finding what actually works for you. Reading and re-writing notes isn’t the only way (and often, it’s not the most effective). You may also be a visual, auditory, or hands-on learner. Experiment with different methods such as using flashcards, using software to read large pieces of text out loud, making diagrams, or turning your study into a game. Work smarter not harder!
6. Rewards for studying - set small rewards to keep yourself going like a favorite snack, a fun weekend plan, or a post-exam treat to help keep you on track. Get your favourite ice cream after a long library day or take a trip to the zoo after a week of exams. This can help you to avoid burnout and feel more motivated to get through difficult study sessions. It can also help to reframe your mindset around studying by viewing each task as an accomplishment worth celebrating.
7. Study with friends - studying with friends can be a great motivator. It makes studying feel less isolating and helps keep you accountable. Just make sure your group can actually stay focused — you want productive energy, not just a hangout disguised as a study session, so make sure to study with friends you know won’t distract you. Bonus: shared breaks are way more fun.
8. Look after yourself - you can’t pour from an empty cup. Pulling all-nighters and living on caffeine and crisps might get you through short-term, but it’s not sustainable. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, drinking water, and eating balanced meals. During study sessions, take proper breaks (ideally off screens) and give your brain and body a rest. Try to get some fresh air, grab a coffee, or take a walk around the lake. Rest is productive — it helps your brain function better and can seriously improve the quality of your study time. Burnout doesn’t help anyone.