Academic issues and exam stress
Stress, perfectionism, procrastination, presentations, time management, exam stress
Stress advice from students
SHINE asked current University of Plymouth students what advice they would give to other students about managing their stress.
Learning development
Take advantage of our study guides.
Helpful tips on a wide range of topics, from note making and writing essays to ways to improve your organisation skills and presentations.
Download one of the many free guidesProductivity tools by Francesco D'Alessio
Francesco is a productivity/lifestyle YouTuber covering tools and technology. He was a University of Plymouth student and now is the head of marketing at FlashSticks.
- Watch: Todoist v Wunderlist
- Blog: Productivity tools for Individuals
- Watch: YouTube playlist: Tools for students
For more content you can explore his website.
Lecture from The School of Life: Carol Dweck on perfectionism
Striving for self-perfection is considered a high virtue. Hear from Carol Dweck, one of the world's leading psychologists.Watch Carol Dweck's lecture
Expanding Perceptions 2010: Dr Brené Brown at TEDxHouston
Dr Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston.Watch Brené Brown's lecture
Understanding procrastination
Putting it off until tomorrow: procrastination can mean the avoidance of any task, but areas arise frequently within a university context.Download procrastination guide from Goldsmiths University
Overcoming procrastination
Manage your time, getting it all done: if you've found yourself putting off important tasks over and over again, you’re not alone. In fact, many people procrastinate to some degree.Read Mind Tool's advice
Time management: top three apps
- Evernote - gather all your thoughts and ideas in one place across as many devices as you like
- 30/30 - set up a list of tasks, and a length of time for each of them
- Productive - build good habits and organise your life.
Let us know your favourite apps, email us at shine@plymouth.ac.uk or message us on Twitter or Facebook.
A short guide to managing your time
Learn about using a priority matrix, time box and chunking. This short film was created by the University of Oxford.Watch the short guide
How to manage your time better
University life can become busy and hectic and you may find yourself getting stressed trying to balance your social life and studies.Watch the WellCast video
Apps to support learning
Dyslexia
CALL Scotland's iPad Apps for Learners with Dyslexia/Reading and Writing Difficulties
Exam stress
-
Student Minds: Exam Stress
-
Watch: Live Magazine's explain exam stress with Buckaroo
-
Read: QS blog on how NOT to cope with exam stress
-
Read: The Guardian's article on exam advice
-
Visit: The Student Room resources for dealing with exam stress
-
Read: Personal blog about staying calm
-
Listen: Stress and relaxation: a quick fix breathing exercise
-
Blog: Managing low mood during exams
School of life: dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Do you feel like you're not good enough? Feel like you are an imposter?
This video may help you to recognise the signs
SU Advice Centre
Offers free, independent, confidential, impartial advice.
The service can be described as the ‘Citizens Advice Bureau for students’ with advice on student funding, academic, housing, benefits, legal and debt.
Visit UPSU AdviceExtenuating circumstances
Find out more about the University's policy on extenuating circumstances.View our extenuating circumstances information
Connect
- UPSU Advice can help with appeals, academic dishonesty, complaints, extenuating circumstances and much more.
- Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard.
- Chinese Lantern
is a helpline that
offers support to the Chinese community. It is available for staff, students
and their families. Call 0808
802 0012, visit their website or connect on WeChat (WeChat ID: BACWG89).
Additional self-help resources
We also have a range of leaflets, presentations and audio files created by staff at the University that may be helpful.
Anytime Advice and Mental Health Helpline for students
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- In-the-moment emotional and counselling support for all University of Plymouth students
- Accessible by phone, email and via LiveCONNECTSM instant messaging
- Information and advice on a range of studying, work, family and personal issues
- Confidential
- Completely independent from the university.
Professional support
If something is causing you concern, is upsetting or distressing you, then it may help to talk about it in a safe environment.
If you are a partnership student please find out what support your institution offers.
For students studying on the Plymouth and Truro campus, you can seek support and professional advice from: