So exams are a lot less worrisome if you've been doing your studying as you've been going along, but even the most dedicated students can be concerned about how much work they've done. However much you've been doing, the important thing is not to beat yourself up about it now - if you feel you didn't cover as much ground as you would have liked, then try to learn from your mistakes for next semester. Try to go over the important stuff in the days coming up to the exam, and not worry about what you don't know - stressing about it isn't going to help you learn more, and is just going to wear you out, meaning that by the time you actually get into the exam room, you'll be exhausted, and unable to give the test your best.

Anyone who has ever been sleep deprived appreciates how difficult it is to function, let alone do your best, when you haven't had all your Zzzzzs. Listen to your body in this regard - we all need different amounts of sleep to be in tip-top shape, so if ten hours a night is what you need, then head to bed a bit early. Sleep is especially important in the lead up to exam time, but remember that experts say you can't build up a 'sleep bank' - meaning that it's not good enough to study into the wee hours, thinking you'll catch up after the exams are over. You need to sleep well every night in order to be at your best, so avoid the caffeine and alcohol (which might make you sleepy, but actually stops you getting a good night's rest), and don't do anything too stimulating an hour or so before bedtime (get your brains out of the gutter people...!).

It's kinda easy to let yourself think that, what will all that studying, you just don't have the energy to go exercising, but actually, getting some active time in will actually boost your energy levels. And we're not necessarily talking about a ten-mile run, a nice walk is great too. In fact, it's important not to over-exercise coming up to exam time, so while keeping up with your sporting activities is great, lay off the competitive play just before a test. Balance is the key, so stick with moderate exercise to help ward off the stress.

If you've been in the library or pored over a book for so long that you're starting to forget your own name, then it's time to take a break. It doesn't matter whether the exam is next month or tomorrow, there's only so much info your brain can take in before it's going to explode (maybe not literally, but you know what we mean). So leave your study area for a few minutes and go get some fresh air, or listen to some music - anything that allows your brain a bit of a rest. It will help you refocus, and you will return to the books with some new vim and vigour.

Exams after Christmas... Who thought that one up, eh? The holiday break is a great time to get some studying done, but Christmas isn't just for non-student types, so do make sure that you enjoy the festivities with your family and friends. It can be all too easy to let thoughts of exams lurk in the back of your brain on the big day, but try to put any study worries aside. Do not - you are under strict instructions here! - feel guilty for not studying on Christmas Day. Even students are allowed to take a break! You'll feel much better about getting back down to work if you've had a proper break, so take a couple of days off over the holidays and just relax. If a single thought about exams enters your mind, we'll come and take all your presents away.* Don't ask us how we'll know, we just will.

* Not an actual threat.

So the short and sweet version is - take care of yourself. Study hard, but get some rest. It's normal that thoughts of exams will be at the forefront of your mind right now, but don't lose sight of all the things that make you feel good - living the life of a hermit for too long will only leave you depressed and exhausted. And, remember, no matter how hard you're finding pre-exam time, it really will all be over soon enough. So do your best, and hang on in there. And if you need any advice or support, or just fancy a great big hug, call up to your Union office any time. We are the best huggers in the world (we'd be in the Guinness Book of Records if they had a category for it).