With results day around the corner for many prospective students, we’ve put together some tips to help you look after your wellbeing in what we know can be a stressful week.
Advice to help with anxiety
We know what a worrying time waiting for exam results can be. The anticipation and not knowing can lead to unhelpful cycles of thoughts like: What’s going to happen? What if what happens isn’t what I want? What future will I have if this is the case? These thoughts can increase general anxiety and leave you feeling trapped or hopeless.
A good way of trying to ensure you don’t get to this point is to distract yourself with something fun or relaxing. Try…
- Filling yourself up with good food and staying hydrated with plenty of water. Food can affect your mood and staying hydrated helps you focus and stay calm. Peppermint tea and chamomile tea are said to help reduce high stress, so you could always try those too.
- Keeping your mind busy and releasing those ‘happy hormones’ by doing some form of physical activity. It could be going for a gentle walk or a jog, to the gym, doing some yoga or meditation or simply dancing around your kitchen.
- Calming or stress relieving activities like colouring, sketching, baking, listening to music or reading a book.
There’s always time to talk
It’s important to talk about your feelings. Not only can this help you feel validated, but it can also put things into perspective, help you work through a problem, get some advice or just feel generally lighter for sharing your concerns. ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’, so turn to your closest networks and let them know how you’re feeling. Whether it’s older siblings or parents who have been through what you are facing, or friends who are in the same position as you, make sure you build a supportive community.
If you feel you need more formal advice from people with the knowledge to reassure and help you explore all possible options, try talking to a trusted tutor or supervisor. Clearing lines are open now so you can seek advice before results day by calling 02476 888 888.
If you are really struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to medical professionals like your GP or a walk-in centre who can help with structured strategies and safe talking spaces. Remember, never stay silent.
Consider your options
There are so many education options out there. The results you get don’t define you, and your plans don’t have to stay rigid to accommodate them. If your dream is to pursue further or higher education, there are so many options you can consider.
If you don’t do as well in your exams as you expected, or don’t get the grades you need for your first-choice university, it’s not the end. Things can still work out amazingly well, even if it doesn’t feel like it when you open that envelope.
Clearing
If you didn’t receive an offer or didn’t meet the conditions of your offer (or if you want to change your course because your results are better than expected!), you can apply via Clearing. Find out how Clearing works and understand the steps to apply.
Take a gap year
You can choose to defer and take a gap year where you can learn new skills, build your confidence, and become clearer on the direction you want to take. Of course, only a few of us can afford to pack our bags and travel around the world, but your gap year doesn’t have to be far away. You could spend it volunteering around the UK or local area.
Look at other education-based options and resits
University isn’t the only route you can take. You could consider alternative courses, foundation degrees and apprenticeships which offer on the job training alongside qualifications. You could also look to resit your assessments or resubmit coursework. Speak to your educational provider who will be happy to help you.
Gain Employment
Not all careers require university or lots of educational qualifications. You could research to see if careers you’re interested in have alternative routes, and gain valued work experience on the job, whilst securing an income at the same time!
Remember, you can’t control your results once you get them, but you can control where you go next.
We wish you the best of luck with your results. Regardless of the grades on paper, you’ve achieved so much by experiencing your exams and getting through them. Success comes in many forms and even if things don’t go the way you hoped, you’re still on your path to success, it might just look a bit different.
“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life that you are proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney
Further resources:
The Students’ Union Support Hub allows you to search how you’re feeling and any symptoms and will offer you appropriate support services.
Anxiety UK is a user-led organisation supporting anyone with anxiety. Call 03444 775 774 or text 07537 416 905.
Kooth is an online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children or young people. Access through mobile, tablet or desktop.
Student Minds ?Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They have lots of resources online as well as multiple ways to chat. To start a conversation, text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258?
Samaritans is a safe place for you to talk 24/7, no matter what you’re feeling. Call 116 123.
Young Minds has a whole section on their website dedicated to exam result stress, with great resources, support and tips.