Managing Procrastination During Exam Season

Exam Season at UON

Exam season is one of the most stressful periods for students, and procrastination can make it worse. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or convincing yourself that “You’ll get round to it”, putting off studying can lead to undeserved anxiety, and last-minute cramming. Your procrastination isn’t always laziness, it’s often linked to perfectionism, fear of failure, or feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that it can be managed with the right strategies.

Understand why you procrastinate

Before tackling procrastination, it’s important to recognise why you do it.

• Are you avoiding it because you don’t know where to start?
• Do you feel unmotivated or fear failing?

Identifying the root can help you find the right solutions to work the best for you.

Set clear and Achievable goals.

SMART goals are the most effective way to see your progress. Using the SMART framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound – makes it efficient for breaking down study material into smaller manageable tasks seems less intimidating and is easier to track.

Time management techniques

The ‘Pomodoro’ technique is widely used in tackling procrastination, for example, studying for 30 minutes and then taking a break for 10, is a simple way of structuring study time. This keeps your brain engaged and prevents prolonged burnout. Other methods consist of time-blocking (allocating specific study times) and the two minute rule (Starting a task for two minutes to overcome resistance).

Eliminating Distractions

The university offers several locations for quiet study, including the library and the silent study room. If you prefer to study at home, you should keep your phone on silent or use apps like ‘Cold Turkey’ to block social media during these sessions. Having a clean environment can also boost productivity and focus.

Staying accountable

Studying with friends or joining a study group can help maintain focus. When committing to others, you’re more likely to stick to a schedule and avoid procrastination.

Rewarding yourself

Creating a reward for yourself can make studying more enjoyable. After completing a study, treat yourself to something small, like a snack or a short walk. This reinforces positive habits and keeps you motivated.

For additional information and study support, get in touch with our support teams.

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Alex Boden

Alex Boden is a third-year student studying Esports. In his spare time, he loves meeting new people and capturing stories via photography.