MUST-KNOW STUDY TIPS AND THE BEST SPOTS FOR DEADLINE CRUNCHING IN THE UK

As exam season approaches, bringing with it an endless loop of "deadline crunching," the extreme stress is something every international student knows only too well. Understanding the immense pressure you are facing, SVUK is here to share essential "survival" tips for the exam season, helping you maximise your knowledge absorption and walk into the exam room with total confidence.

1. Adopt the "Study Smart" Strategy Instead of Pulling All-Nighters

Don't torture yourself by staying up all night reading through thousands of slides. Apply smart study tactics to optimise your grades:

• The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle): Instead of trying to cram from the first page to the last, identify the core 20% of knowledge that yields 80% of the marks. Focus intensely on the Learning Outcomes at the beginning of each slide deck and on the sections your professors specifically highlighted in class.
• Learn from "Seniors" & Conquer Past Papers: Don't just study blindly! Access your university's library system to download Past Papers. If the module hasn't changed professors, the exam format is usually very similar. Asking for advice and notes from senior students is also an incredibly effective shortcut to understanding how your professor prefers critical thinking and analysis.
• Use AI as a "Tutor" to Create Mock Tests: Instead of passive learning, use AI for Active Recall. You can copy your Lecture Notes into ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude and use this prompt: "Based on this content, act as a university professor and create a mock test for me with 10 multiple-choice questions and 2 short essay questions to prepare for my exam, then grade it and explain the answers."

2. Leverage Technology for an Effective Study Schedule

When used correctly (and not over-relied on), educational websites and apps will help you optimise your time management and synthesise knowledge. This makes the workload much less daunting and easier to digest:

• Notion / Trello: The ultimate planning apps to help you break down your workload day by day, creating a clear revision schedule to avoid piling everything up until the last minute.
• ChatPDF / Monica: Your high-speed AI reading assistants. Just upload those lengthy PDF readings, and the AI will summarise the main points and find keywords in seconds.
• Forest / Focus To-Do: Block distracting apps (TikTok, Instagram) and use the Pomodoro timer (study for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes) to help you enter a state of Deep Work.

3. Best "Camping" Spots for Night Owls in the UK

Image for illustration purposes only (source: Pinterest)

For the team working on graduation projects or finals: If your university library is fully booked, don't worry! The UK still has plenty of quiet corners where you can isolate yourself and focus.

• University Libraries (24/7 Mode): Most UK universities automatically switch to a 24/7 opening schedule during exam season (April - May). Make the most of this space, as it is safe, free, and has super-strong Wi-Fi. A quick tip is to arrive very early or during dinner time to secure seats with plug sockets.
• Late-Night Coffee Chains: Branches of Pret A Manger or Caffè Nero in major cities (such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham) usually have spacious interiors and stay open late. Additionally, Starbucks locations near campuses often feature large tables and a very "study-friendly" atmosphere.
• Study Rooms in Student Accommodations:  If you live in private student halls (like Unite Students, iQ, Vita...), make full use of their communal study rooms. They are quiet, safe, and protect you from the unpredictable UK weather.

4. Saving Your Wallet: End-of-Month Student Deals

Studying hard makes you hungry fast, but your end-of-month wallet often goes "on strike." Save these deal-hunting tricks to recharge your energy without going broke:

• Coffee Subscriptions: If you run on caffeine, sign up for Club Pret. You get a 20% discount on the entire menu and up to 5 barista-made drinks per day (coffee, tea, smoothies) for a fixed fee. It’s a truly profitable investment during exam season!
• Meal Deals: When you have no time to cook, Meal Deal sections (usually including 1 main, 1 snack, and 1 drink) at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op, or Boots (ranging from £3.5 - £5) are absolute lifesavers, helping you fill your stomach quickly to get back to studying.
• Utilize Student Perks (Student Beans & UniDays): Never pay without checking these two apps first! You can easily find discount vouchers up to 20-30% for Domino's, KFC, or Leon to treat yourself to a late-night meal after submitting that essay.
• Too Good To Go: A super popular "food rescue" app in the UK. At the end of the day, restaurants and bakeries sell their surplus food bags (still perfectly delicious) for just a third of the original price.

Exam season might be the most challenging period, but it is also a time to prove your resilience. Remember, grades are important, but your mental and physical health is the top priority. Don't be afraid to rest when needed. 

SVUK wishes you a highly successful exam season!