Category: Exams

We’re Listening To … The Perfect Study Playlist

Everyone’s optimal study environment differs.  

Some people thrive in complete silence without sounds or movement to distract them from the task at hand. Others are inspired by a view and the hum of chatter in the background.

Music can be a vital part of many peoples study environment. Making that special playlist depending on what you’re studying or what mood you’re in can help keep your mind on track.

Classical

Traditionally classical music has been associated with improving concentration (although this has not been scientifically proven). The sounds of Mozart or Beethoven can be calming and therefore reduce anxiety that can come with studying.

 

Instrumentals

Listening to instrumentals is quite a popular choice as people are less likely to get distracted by the lyrics of the songs.  Jazz, Ambient House or the soundtrack to your favourite movie could be a good start.

Timeless Melodies

Some times an up-tempo rhythm can be useful, for those moments when you are not feeling very motivated to study.  A bit of pop or any uplifting music just to get you in the mood.

Nature

The varied sounds of nature can be great background noise for really zoning out and getting some quality work done.

 

Whatever your chosen style or genre it’s best to have some ready-made playlists that you can alternate between. While choosing the best music to listen to while studying is important, you should avoid spending hours selecting the songs. At the end of the day,what matters is not choosing the best music in the world but that your study is productive.

What’s Your Smart Snack?

Exam period – That time of year marked by unhealthy levels of caffeine, perpetual states of sleep deprivation, and the oh-so dreaded seven stages of revision (when you’re not too busy procrastinating that is!

During such a stressful yet crucial period of student life, a common mistake many make (often unconsciously) is to eat poorly and unhealthily. Junk food, lots of chocolate, energy drinks and crisps are often substituted for normal meals to keep energy levels up. However, this is not only harmful to your long-term health, but can also negatively affect your exam performance!

So it’s time to take matters in hand and get your snacking habits in order.

Take our short quiz to find a ‘smart snack’ which tickles your fancy. Click your answer for a link to the recipe  or see them below.

So next time you’re in a time-crunch, don’t sacrifice your health for convenience. Remember, snack smart to study hard!

 

1. Brown Sugar & Banana Oatmeal

2. Roasted Fajita-Spiced Chickpeas

3. Baked Zucchini (Courgette) Chips

4. Toast with Cottage Cheese & Tomato

5. Apple and Peanut Butter

6.  Hummus & Vegetables

7. No Bake Energy Bites

8. Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberries

 

Words: Alison Zhou

Take Time Out 2018 – Be Well Do Well

Exam season is upon us and we know you’ve been hitting the books and are in full revision mode. However, we’re encouraging you to have regular breaks and get involved in the Take Time Out activities over the next few weeks on campus and in residences. There are loads of fun stuff happening to keep your mind focused or help you to de-stress.

Looking after yourself and keeping things balanced will all help towards your exam success, so remember Be Well Do Well and Take Time Out!

Remember if things do get too much you can always contact your Warden or the King’s Wellbeing team to talk things through.

For activities around the campuses please see the schedule here:

Take Time Out In Residences

There are sessions happening in residencies most evenings. They are open to all students living in residences and most you can just turn up and enjoy! (Just remember to bring your ID card). Booking is required for some sessions with limited places.

Please note the schedule is subject to change, so check your official residence Facebook page for daily updates.

Check out the events calendar for the full schedule.

Take Time Out 2017

King’s Wellbeing is launching Take Time Out next week to help you keep sane during the exam period. There are tonnes of fun stuff to keep your mind focused, such as free yoga, smoothies and chill out spaces!

Make sure you head to the Take Time Out web pages to find more information about how to keep on top of your wellbeing. Remember, if things are getting too much you can always contact your Welfare Team to talk things through.

Here are our tips from the team:

Felicia Reynolds
RA at Angle Lane

  • Cooking new recipes with flatmates
  • Singing out loud karaoke style with friends (preferably 90s pop or Disney)
  • Mastering the art of British Tea making
  • Impromptu Latin Dance party
  • Express Spa: Nail painting session/ putting on a quick face mask
  • On the go spring cleaning/room organising
  • Mapping out concepts
  • Find YouTube videos to help simplify concepts
  • Use focus timer apps to ensure you’re spending time focusing on work but also have an embedded break (apps like Tide and Focus Keeper)

 

Elyse Langenegger
Marketing & Communications Manager

‘Running, making sure I still take the time to do my hobbies like music and netball and having someone I can just talk to to get the stress out in the open.’

 

Megan Taylor-Silva
Digital Engagement Officer

  • Make sure my work area is clean and clutter free!
  • Exercise, if I stop exercising I get more stressed
  • Get outdoors, go for a hike or bike ride
  • Get lots of sleep. I always find it’s tempting to stay up late, but it just means that I’m even less productive the next day
  • Drink water and teas (chamomile or blackcurrant is my favourite)
  • Change your workspace, work from a café with a giant mug of hot chocolate or coffee. Sometimes a change of scenery is beneficial.

 

Verdell Brookens-Capps
RA at Angle Lane

‘When I’m inside writing all day and the weather is nice (the sun is out), I like to go outside into the fresh air for 5 minutes, take slow deep breaths and enjoy the moment.

If the weather is not so good, I try to take small breaks where I walk around my building; make a snack and take long deep breaths.

Other things I do when I’m super overwhelmed and at a breaking point to meet a deadline is, remove myself from my working station. Take some paper and markers and write positive affirmative statements “You got this boo!”,  “You are intelligent”, “You are an overcomer”,   “You are fearfully and wonderfully made”, “Masters of TESOL graduate” “ You are doing this!”, “You are strong”, “You’re an inspiration”.’

 

Stephanie Edmalin-Torio
Receptionist Wolfson House

  • Listen to worship music to keep me calm
  • I would sometimes write down why I am stressed out, I believe it helps me let the stress out by writing them out.
  • If I was really stressed out, I would sometimes train on my punching bag and let the frustration out.

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