Exams can be stressful, but with the right tools and support, you can get through them with confidence. Every challenge you are facing now is shaping you into the future professional you are becoming.
As we enter the assessment period, I want to remind you that you are not alone in this journey. I have been exactly where you are now, balancing part time work, deadlines, revision, stress, and everything in between.
During my first and second year, I relied on a few simple strategies that helped me stay focused, organised, and achieve strong grades across my modules.
To support you, I have gathered some of the best BCU-approved study resources, tools and tips that genuinely made a difference in my academic journey. Whether you are revising, writing a report, struggling with time management, or trying to make sense of referencing, this guide is for you.
1. Get support from BCU's new BASE Team
BCU’s new BASE Team (Building Academic Skills and Excellence) can help strengthen your academic confidence and improve your grades across all areas of study. Whether you need support with essay writing, report structure, critical analysis, presentations, academic reading, research skills, or assignment planning, the BASE Team offers tailored support for students at every level. I would highly recommend making use of this service, especially if you want extra guidance, feedback, or support during exam and assessment season.
🔗 Academic Skills Support - find support from the team online
🔗 Book a Tutorial - a member of the team can give you personalised support on your assignments, study techniques, or academic skills.
2. Using ChatGPT and AI tools correctly for revision
BCU always advises against using external sources such as AI to form your work, however if you must use here are some other ways to use it effectively and correctly:
Testing your knowledge
AI tools, such as Gizmo, can be used as a great tool for recalling information and turning notes, YouTube videos, or recordings into flashcards or quizzes.
Structuring your workflow
Forest is an app which can help you focus by setting a timer to study and in each session you’ll grow a tree, gradually building a forest as you work, but if you leave the app, during the time, your tree will die. If you find yourself easily distracted, this app can help you to structure your learning in intervals.
Using ChatGPT for research
Using AI tools, such as Chat GPT or Gemini, in your work can be detected in your coursework and will be penalised if used incorrectly such as presenting the output of AI tools as your own. If you use it for research, it’s vital you reference it correctly.
If in doubt, speak to your tutors or book in with BCU’s Educational Development Service. BCU have created a free guide packed with expert study tips and AI learning tools.
Download your guide
3. Pomodoro Technique (short burst studying)
One of my most-used methods. How it works: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It boosts concentration, reduces burnout, and makes even heavy topics easier to tackle
Learn the technique
4. Using BCU’s Library services
BCU Library offers a wide range of course specific and general materials, articles and resources help with referencing, research and analysis. There are also in person individual and group study pods which you can book in advance across campuses. Check out the winter break opening times here.
Course-Specific Articles & Resources
Includes:
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E-books
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Subject databases
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Study guides
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Reading lists
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Academic skills support
Find Library resources
New to using the Library? Start Here (Mainly for 1st Year students)
This guide walks you step-by-step through how to navigate the library, find books, access academic journals, and make the most of library support.
5. Practice study and revision techniques
How to effectively plan your revision
A simple guide to creating a revision timetable that can help, especially when you do not know where to start.
How to stop procrastinating
If you struggle with motivation, learn some practical steps to overcome the urge to delay, scroll, or avoid starting.
How to revise in one hour
Perfect for busy days. Learn a structured way to revise effectively when time is limited.
Writing a report? Or need a SWOT or company profile? (Business, Marketing or Finance students)
If you are working on a business assignment, case study, or analysis, MarketLine Advantage is a golden resource.
You can get access to company financials, SWOT analysis, industry information, and strategic insights your lecturers will love. It strengthens assignments and makes your arguments more credible.
Feeling overwhelmed by your exam timetable?
This page can help you manage a packed schedule, reduce stress, and map out revision sessions in a sensible way.
6. You've got this!
If you need help, reach out. Your success is my priority as your VP Education. I hope this article makes this exam season more manageable, productive, and enjoyable.
I wish you the very best with your exams and assessments.