As the OU heads towards the exams and EMA period for many students, I just wanted to wish you all luck and share my ten top tips that have helped get me through these times during my studies.
My top ten tips
- Use your assessment guidance – I wasn’t sure how to use this at first, but it became my bible after my first few TMAs. If you have one with your module, check the learning outcomes and any information that you can use to keep you on track (as a chronic waffler, this was key for me keeping to the word count).
- Fill a blank page – This can be anything that takes away the dread of looking at a blank sheet of paper and not knowing where to begin. I used to copy over the questions, then add some bullet points on the main themes to get my brain going.
- Keep track of your references – This one maybe seems obvious, but I have on more than one occasion spent hours retracing my steps to find a reference I have used when writing in full flow. One note can be a useful tool to do this as you can break it down into sections of the assignment, and move things around as needed.
- Snacks – Snacks are life anyway, but when you are deep into an EMA it can be easy to lose track of time, and having your favourite snack to hand can be just the pick-me-up you need. The responsible me should say that these of course should be healthy, but I don’t always practice what I preach and sometimes biscuits win – and that is more than ok if it brings you joy!
- Hydration – Make sure you keep hydrated, especially during long study sessions or (if you’re like me) during the last-minute deadline rush when your brain is scrambled. I tend to keep a big bottle of water on my desk because if I wander from my desk, I may not return!
- Take a break – During this time it can feel difficult to take a break and you might feel guilty, especially when close to deadlines. But pushing through will not help you mentally, physically or academically (believe me!). Plan in breaks – they can be as short or as long as you need them to be. They could be for refreshments, or they could just be for five minutes to stare out of the window. In the latter part of my undergrad degree, I thought about designs for my graduation shoes. These are the ones I had for my graduation in 2024 – up next will be a light blue addition for my Masters (fingers crossed)!
- Ensure you have everything you will need on the day – Again this may seem obvious, but when you are juggling many priorities, things can easily slip through the cracks. Read and re-read any exam prep information, and reach out to tutors or the Student Support Team if you have any questions.
- Know what to do if you need help or support from the OU – There is a wealth of information on the OU help centre about exams and EMAs, including how to prep and what to do if the unexpected happens.
Explore the advice about exams and EMAs on the OU help centre
- Treat yourself! – OU study is tough and life is tough, so if anyone deserves a treat, it's every OU student – and the end of a module is the perfect opportunity. (Although I have also been known to treat myself when I complete the reading for the week). This doesn’t have to be big or expensive – it can be anything that brings you joy, from using time you would have been studying to do something for yourself, to buying yourself that thing you have had your eye on for a while. No matter what assignment I did, I always treated myself to the day off after the deadline – mainly to sleep but also to let my brain rest.
- Be proud of yourself! – No matter how you got to this point, you have completed your module. Whether it’s your first or your last, it is another step forward in your studies and moving towards your goals, and that is amazing! It can also be a useful time to reflect on your studies and think about what you have learned about yourself during this time, because study is not just about the content you learn but how it also develops you. I learnt so much more about myself and what I could do than I ever thought possible, and when you look back you will find the same too – and it can be incredibly powerful.
And finally...
I hope some of these help, but also find what works for you. Do you need a comfy space to write your EMA? Do you prefer to handwrite notes? Are you a last-minute rush to the finish person? All of these are valid ways of learning and getting your studies done, and knowing what works for you will help you succeed without feeling extra pressure to study like everyone else.
During this time, the additional pressure on top of the everyday pressures of life can feel overwhelming – and that is perfectly natural – but don’t suffer alone! Make use of the support around you – you can also find specialist support and advice on the OU's help centre.
Discover the mental health and wellbeing support available through the OU help centre
Good luck to everyone during this time. For those still going, it can feel even harder seeing others going off for the summer break whilst you are still studying. I always found results day, graduations and hearing other OU students stories a real motivator, so keep an eye out for these celebrations in July.