Exam nervousness

What students often worry about

It’s normal to have worries and “what if” thoughts before an exam. Common examples include:

- Have I studied enough?”
- What if I forget everything when I sit down?”
- What will the examiner think of me?”
- What if I don’t finish in time?”

These thoughts don’t mean something is wrong — they’re part of preparing for an important situation.

Recognising them as normal can help you manage them more easily.

How to manage exam nerves

You can’t make nervousness disappear completely — and you don’t need to. The goal is to keep it at a healthy level so it helps rather than hinders you. Here are some simple ways to do that:

- Prepare in good time. Make a realistic plan and stick to it.
- Practice the exam situation. Try explaining a topic out loud as if you were at the exam.
- Take care of your body. Get enough sleep, eat regularly, and take breaks.
- Share your worries. Talk with fellow students — you’ll find that most feel the same way.
- Breathe and slow down. A few deep breaths can calm your body’s stress response.

Get help with handling your exam anxiety

You are always welcome to contact the Study and Career Guidance if you experience troubles with exam nervousness or fear.