For the days when your notes don’t make sense, semester mark is threatening that degree and the pressure has gotten worser!  

Exams at NWU? Yeah… it’s a different kind of chaos. 

One moment you're chilling at your favourite spot by the river with a chicken wrap and peace of mind, the next you’re deep in E2 wondering if you ever even attended class. We’ve all been there… tired, anxious, over it. 

But even in the madness, you can show up for yourself and push through like the absolute legend you are. 

Here’s a survival guide that doesn’t pretend everything’s perfect.  Just real advice, a few laughs, and reminders that you’re not alone. 

Break It Down. Seriously. 

Studying doesn’t have to look like 10 straight hours of pain. 

Try doing it in chunks. 25 minutes of focus, 5-minute breaks. Stretch. Get water. Reply to that TikTok streak your friend sent you. Come back. 

And no shame if you start slow. Showing up at all is already a win. 

Study Your Way…Not Theirs 

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking there’s one “right” way to study. You might: 

• Make flashcards 

• Go through old test papers on eFundi 

• Talk it out with a friend over cappuccinos at Mooirivier 

• Record yourself explaining things (weirdly helpful) 

If your method works for you, that’s all that matters 

Fuel > Grind 

Exams aren't a reason to starve yourself or live on energy drinks alone. Eat. Drink. Sleep. Please. 

• Hydrate. (Water, not just iced coffee from the campus café.) 

• Try to eat something green at least once a day. 

• Don’t underestimate the power of a nap. Seriously. 

Your brain needs you to be human, not superhuman. 

Plan Without Overplanning 

Open your eFundi calendar. Look at the chaos. Breathe. 

Now break it into smaller pieces. Focus on what’s coming up next, not everything all at once. Make peace with the fact that you won’t get everything perfect. Just aim for progress. 

Also, schedule something small to look forward to a walk around campus, a lunch date, a chill evening. Little things matter more than we realize. 

Your Mind Will Talk Rubbish. Don’t Believe Everything It Says. 

You might think: 

“I started too late.” 
“Everyone else is doing better.” 
“This exam’s going to destroy me.” 

But guess what? Most people feel the same way…even the ones who look like they’ve got it all figured out. 

So, remind yourself: You’ve handled hard things before. You’ll do it again. 

Romanticise the Little Moments 

If you’re going to be stressed, you might as well make it aesthetic. 

• Study near a window. 

• Light a candle (safely). 

• Put on that playlist that makes you feel main character energy. 

• Wear the hoodie that makes you feel safe. 

Turn this season into something that feels like you, not just survival, but something you’ll be proud of later. 

Pray, Manifest, Speak Life 

Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or just vibing, speaking life into your situation helps. 

Say it out loud: 

• “I’ve got this.” 

• “I’m showing up, and that’s enough.” 

• “Gods got me.” 

And maybe keep a screenshot of that one quote or verse that grounds you when your anxiety spikes. 

When It’s Done, Let It Be Done 

Once you walk out of that exam hall, let it go. No dissecting every answer, no second-guessing yourself to sleep. You did what you could. 

Treat yourself. Go eat something nice. Sleep without setting an alarm. Hug a friend. Celebrate effort, not perfection. 

Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Also Been Tired and Stressed at NWU): 

It’s okay to not have it all together. 
It’s okay to be scared and show up anyway. 
You’re not behind, you’re learning. You’re trying. You’re growing. 

And that, more than anything, makes you an academic warrior.