LSESU.COM
DE-STRESS FEST DE-STRESS WITH LSESU THIS EXAM SEASON! DATE
TIME
THROUGHOUT TERM
ACTIVITIES
LOCATION
All day
Zen den (chill out space)
Promo Space, 1st floor, SSH
WEEK 1
Mon 24th April Tue 25th April Wed 26th April Fri 28th April Fri 28th April
12 - 1pm 11am - 2pm 12 - 1pm 1 - 4pm 2 - 4pm
Mindfulness (on until week 6) De-Stress Fest launch pop-up with free massages Managing stress with nutrition Table tennis Take a break: free smoothies and massages
Faith Centre, 2nd floor, SSH Outside the library Studio, 6th floor, SSH Promo Space, 1st floor, SSH 6th Floor Café, SSH
WEEK 2
Tue 2nd May Tue 2nd May Wed 3rd May Fri 5th May
11am - 2pm 11:30 - 11:50am 12 - 2pm 1 - 4pm
De-stress pop up with table tennis and netball shoot out Meditation to relax Basketball 3 on 3 Board games
Sheffield Street Faith Centre, 2nd floor, SSH Badminton Court, Old Building Promo Space, 1st floor, SSH
WEEK 3
Mon 8th May Mon 8th May Tue 9th May Tue 9th May Tue 9th May Thu 11th May
11-2pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 12pm 11:30- 11:50am 2 - 4pm 12 - 1pm
Student wellbeing stall Crafternoon Study Brunch Meditation to relax PhD only smoothies and massage Outdoor yoga
Outside the library Bao Yang, 6th floor, SSH Studio, 6th floor, SSH Faith Centre, 2nd floor, SSH Bao Yang, 6th floor, SSH Lincoln’s Inn Fields
WEEK 4
Tue 16th May Thu 18th May Fri 19th May
11:30 - 11:50am 12 - 4pm 10am - 1pm
Meditation to relax Crafternoon Revise and energise (with healthy snacks)
Faith Centre, 2nd floor, SSH Bao Yang, 6th floor, SSH Studio, 6th floor, SSH
WEEK 5
Tue 23rd May Wed 24th May Thu 25th May
11:30 - 11:50am 10am - 12pm 12:30 - 3:30pm
Meditation to relax Postgraduate study brunch Puppy petting zoo
Faith Centre, 2nd floor, SSH Studio, 6th floor, SSH Sheffield Street
WEEK 6
Tue 30th May Tue 30th May Thu 1st June
11:30 - 11:50am 12 - 4pm 1 - 4pm
Meditation to relax Crafternoon Table tennis
Faith Centre, 2nd floor, SSH Bao Yang, 6th floor, SSH Promo Space, 1st floor, SSH
WEEK 7
Mon 5th June
6 - 9pm
De-stress garden party
6th floor terrace, SSH
Find out more about all these events and our free Active Lifestyle classes at lsesu.com/whatson
2
Introduction The time is finally here! After a long year of hard work, social activities, and struggling through classes, you just have one last hurdle to get through. We know that exams are the most stressful time of year on campus: planning everything from where to study to ‘how on earth will I cram in all this information’ can be daunting and overwhelming. For this reason, the SU is holding De-Stress Fest 2017 as an opportunity for you to take a breather and get the support that you need. From meditation, to table tennis, to parties, this year we’re giving you all kinds of options on how to de-stress. Check out our calendar and take advantage of the planning tools provided in this booklet. Don’t forget, we’re always here to talk, so enjoy the events and reach out to us if you need any further help. Happy exam season, Riham Community and Welfare Officer su.communitywelfare@lse.ac.uk
3
4
Contents 6
Revision tips
8
Plan your revision
10
Study space
12
On the day
13
Extra support
16
Taking care of yourself
18
Wellbeing, support, and advice network
5
Revision tips BE ORGANISED
Come along to our study brunch or our Revise and Energise session
It’s important to plan which topics you intend to revise and create a revision timetable that is realistic and flexible, to account for any unexpected changes. Review the course materials and clarify any questions you have. Most importantly, make your own priorities clear and don’t compare yourself to your peers. One of the key reasons we feel exam stress is because we compare ourselves to others. It’s important not to forget that your exam results are just a small part of who you are.
USE WHAT’S THERE Make the most of the resources at LSE. Doing past papers is one of the most effective forms of revision, they are usually available via Moodle. On many courses, similar themes are revisited in exams each year so it is useful to get a feel for what markers may be looking for. Reviewing the course materials and going over questions that have been asked throughout the year should stand you in good stead.
Make your own revision timetable on page 8
TALK TO PEOPLE
STUDY A WAY THAT WORKS
Just because it’s Summer Term doesn’t mean academics have left. Talk to people whilst they are still here, if you have questions for your lecturers or class teachers then get in touch with them. Make use of any revision classes or lectures being offered. Although independent study is important it can also be incredibly useful to discuss topics with classmates, sharing ideas and resources.
Some of us aren’t morning people and not everyone finds themselves most productive in the library. There is no best place or time to work, so let revision work around you! Even the best made revision plans can be disrupted with unexpected events, so make sure you add in some spare space to preempt these changes.
6
Take a break with one of our de-stress activities, check out our calendar on page 2
TAKE BREAKS No one can study all day effectively, and psychologists say we can only concentrate properly for 30-45 minutes. Ensure that you are eating and drink plenty of water for productivity. Exercising is one of the quickest and most effective ways to de-stress. Fresh air will clear your head and perk you up. Even a short walk will do.
ASK FOR HELP Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. The exam period can be stressful, so if you need help make sure you get it. LSE has a dedicated counselling service and the Students’ Union have our own Advice Service. You can find more information about these services on page 13.
Your routine at LSE is important for managing your mental health. While you may need to cut back on social activities during exam periods, it is important that you keep some of your routine, especially when things get stressful. This can be phoning home, meeting friends for dinner, taking time to play sport or watching a film.
7
Plan your revision TIME
MONDAY
TUESDAY
9 - 9.15 SESSION 1 10 - 10:45 SESSION 2 11 - 11:45 SESSION 3 12 - 12:45
SESSION 4 13:30 - 14:15 SESSION 5 14:30 - 15:15 SESSION 6 15:30 - 16:15 SESSION 7 16:30 - 17:15 SESSION 8 17:30 – 18:15 18:15 – 18:30
Revi
You can use our template revision timetable to plan your exam prep. This timetable is split into eight 45-minute sessions, with 15 minute breaks in between. The average person can only focus for 45 minutes at a time so this allows you to work hard but keep yourself refreshed. We’ve left space for you to set out and review your revision goals, but remember this template is just a suggestion. Feel free to adapt it however it works best for you!
WEDNESDAY Decide your goals for the day
Lunch
iew your progress and plan for tomorrow
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Study space ELSEWHERE AT LSE
Study space on campus can fill up quickly and during exam time it can seem as if there is nowhere to work. Below is some useful information we’ve drawn together on the best study places on and off campus.
There are lots of other great places to study on campus so make use of the full range of space that is available. Some commonly used spots are the Shaw Library, the 8th Floor of NAB, and the First Floor Café in the Saw Swee Hock building. There are also loads of great places to revise in Clement House and Old Building so don’t be afraid to explore. If your department is lucky enough to have a Departmental Common Room then that can also be a great (and often underused) resource!
LSE LIBRARY Finding a study space in the Library come exam time can sometimes be really difficult - but don’t forget the newly renovated 4th floor and the PhD academy. Also remember that some individual and group study spaces can be booked in advance via the Library website to make things easier. Throughout the Easter break and summer term the library will be open 24 hours and during the day there will always be Library staff on hand to help with any questions or problems.
AWAY FROM LSE Sometimes it can be useful to revise away from the LSE bubble, and there are some great places all around London that are open to students. •
If you are having difficulty locating a particular resource then you can also get in touch with your Departments Academic Support Librarian who will be able to provide subject expertise and more personalised support - you can find the full list of departmental librarians here: lse.ac.uk/academicsupportlibrarian
•
10
The British Library has the 2nd greatest collection of books anywhere in the world and students can join for free! Senate House Library is free for University of London students and has a collection focused on the arts, humanities and social sciences registration in advance is required.
•
•
ELSEWHERE
The National Art Library is a quiet, airy and beautiful place to revise with no need to become a member, just make sure to check their slightly odd opening hours in advance. As members of the University of London, LSE Students are entitled to take advantage of many other University Libraries across London. To take advantage all you need is your LSE ID. To find out full details visit london.ac.uk/582.html.
Don’t just stick to libraries! There are loads of fantastic places to study; Google Campus can be incredibly useful, and most cafés now have free Wi-Fi. If the weather is good, then sitting in one of London’s many parks can be a relaxing way to revise!
11
On the day Exams at LSE can be intimidating, particularly if you’ve never sat them here before. Below, we’ve put together some key information of what you can do to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
in the exam room but they must be switched off and placed under your desk. It is advisable to take a bottle of water with the label removed!
WHAT TO KNOW IN ADVANCE
Once you know the time and location of your exam it’s important to arrive in good time. You should set aside enough time to get there, allowing for any delays or travel disruptions. Arrive at least fifteen minutes before the start of the exam so that you don’t miss any important instructions.
ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME
In advance of your exams, it is a good idea to have a quick look over some of the basic regulations. All the essential information you need to know can be found on your personal exam timetable. Make sure you know the correct start time and room for your exam and if need be, familiarise yourself with your route to the location so there are no surprises on the day.
RELAX Once you arrive at the exam location take the time before you go in to try and relax. This one is far easier said than done, but implementing your own coping strategies, such as breathing exercises, can be an invaluable way of combating exam anxiety. Exams can be stressful but there is loads of support here to make it as smooth a process as possible. Remember your Students’ Union is here to support you.
WHAT YOU NEED First things first, ensure you have all the materials you need: pens, pencils, highlighters, and a calculator if permitted. You will also need to take a printed copy of your exam timetable and your LSE ID, both of which you should place on your desk once seated. If you forget either of these, it isn’t the end of the world but it may complicate things. Mobile phones are permitted
12
Extra support For exam-related queries you can contact the School’s Student Services Centre. Phone: 020 7955 6167 (you can leave a message if it’s outside of office hours).
Exam time is very stressful so if you feel like you need help or support you can go to LSE’s counselling service or come to the Students’ Union for advice. LSE’s dedicated Counselling Service offers free 20 minute drop in sessions to all students at 2:45pm every day in KSW 5.07 (on a first come basis). You can also email them at: student.counselling@lse.ac.uk.
If you’re having any problems with one of your courses or simply have a question, there are numerous people you can get in touch with whose details are available via Moodle or LSE For You: • For course related issues speak to your Class Teacher or the Course Convener. • For more general revision related issues speak to your Academic Advisor. • For departmental issues or if you’re experiencing a problem with your Academic Advisor, get in touch with your Departmental Tutor.
You can also get in touch with LSESU Advice Service for guidance on exam regulations or any problem relating to your time at LSE. They run daily drop in sessions in the Saw Swee Hock building (11am - 1pm, Monday-Friday). You can book an appointment outside of these times by speaking with reception or emailing the Advice Service directly. Call +44 (0)20 7955 7158 or email su.advice@lse.ac.uk.
13
Exam support INDIVIDUAL EXAM ADJUSTMENTS (IEAS)
Examples of individual exam adjustments and accommodations are:
Individual exam adjustments are intended to ensure that disabled students and those with a long-term medical condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty can reach their full potential under timed assessment conditions.
• • • • •
You may already have an Inclusion Plan or applied for IEAs for a long-term condition (the deadline for summer exams has now passed). You can still apply for short term IEAs and it is advisable to do so as soon as possible to ensure there’s enough time for any recommendations to be put in place.
Extra time Taking your exam in a room with a small number of students Being able to bring food/drink/ medication into the exam room Use of specialist equipment (e.g. ergonomic keyboard) The use of a computer
If you do receive adjustments, yet still feel that your condition affected your performance in a particular exam (or set of exams), you must submit exceptional circumstances (see below). FIT TO SIT The School has a fit to sit policy, which means that entering the exam room can be seen as a declaration that you’re fit to do so. If you are feeling poorly it is advisable that you consider whether you really are well enough to take your exam.
You can find the application form on the LSE website or in the Student Services Centre (SSC), which you must submit to the SSC with evidence. If you want further advice on this you can contact the SSC or our own Advice Service.
If you can’t attend an exam (e.g. due to falling ill on the day), you must let the Student Services Centre know as soon as possible (020 7955 6167).
14
DEFERRING YOUR EXAM
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Requesting to defer an exam until next year’s exam period can be done once you have received all of your tuition. The deadline is normally the day before the exam in question – however, you should contact your department as soon as possible about this.
This should be submitted if you believe that the exam you sat was impacted by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. The deadlines can be found on the LSE website and our Advice Service can help you with the process.
15
Taking care of yourself During exam time it is really important to make sure you are looking after yourself and making time for self-care. This can be anything from reading a book to going for a run. Whatever will help you! Self-Care Aware are a student group at LSE who put together self-care plans. These plans help you to de-stress and focus better. Below are some self-care suggestions for you to try out. SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • • • • •
Sleep in a couple of extra hours this weekend Pick an outfit that makes you feel good Go to bed early tonight and make sure you get at least eight hours sleep Sit in a coffee shop and read or people watch for an hour or two Take a long bath or shower Make time for exercise Bake something just for fun Eat something nourishing and healthy today Do something creative Watch a film with friends Go for a walk in the sunshine
16
Your personalised self-care plan Pick different self-care activities from the suggestions on the previous page, or make up your own and fill in the boxes below to create your personalised self-care plan
17
OFF-CAMPUS SUPPORT SCHEME Support for getting to know campus for those who don’t live in LSE Halls; this is a mentoring initiative that you can access via LSE for You: www.lsesu.com/lseforyou
FINANCIAL SUPPORT OFFICE Responsible for providing advice on scholarships, awards and emergency funding Drop-ins available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during term time, 1–2pm, at Student Services*
FEES OFFICE Drop-ins available Monday to Friday during term time, 2–3pm, at Student Services*
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA ADVICE TEAM Drop-ins available Monday to Friday during term time, 1.30 - 2.30pm, at Student Services
ADVICE TEAM Responsible for providing pastoral support, academic advice, guidance on School regulations and policy
STUDENT SERVICES
MEDITATION Group meditation: Mondays, 12 - 1pm and Tuesdays 11:30 - 11:50am, LSE Faith Centre, Saw Swee Hock Student Centre
To get in touch, email: disability-dyslexia@lse.ac.uk
Find out more: www.lse.ac.uk/disability
DISABILITY AND WELL-BEING SERVICE Provides advice and support to disabled students, makes Inclusion Plans, and helps with individual examination arrangements
STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICE Provides a number of groups and workshops, including a daily drop-in session from 3pm; this can be booked from 2.45pm and are first come first served.* To access these visit: www.lse.ac.uk/counselling or email: studentcounselling@lse.ac.uk
www.lse.ac.uk/studentwellbeing | Room OLD G.23, Ground Floor, Old Building
STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICE
WELLBEING, ADVICE
These are students who provide confidential advice as Peer Supporters (including postgraduate students and PhD students), both in LSE residences and across the whole of the campus. You can contact them via: www.facebook.com/LsePeerSupport or tlc.peer.support@lse.ac.uk
PEER SUPPORTERS
Set up a meeting with your Academic Adviser on anything you are struggling with, whether that’s academic or personal issues. They are there to listen and help you
ACADEMIC ADVISERS
They’re open Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm and you can find details of their events on the LSE website
LSE Life provides advice on any matter relating to studying, either via one to one sessions or their programme of events (which include Exam Practice workshops).
LSE LIFE
Sarah Castellanos, Postgraduate Students’ Officer: su.postgrad@lse.ac.uk
Drop in to the LSE Faith Centre or, to join the mentor group, email Revd Dr James Walters, Chaplain to the School: j.walters2@lse.ac.uk
*Check lse.ac.uk for most up-to-date drop-in times
Your Part-time Officers are here to campaign on your behalf, represent you, listen and point you in the right direction within their specific remits. You can find them here: www.lsesu.com/democracy/student-reps
LSESU PART-TIME OFFICERS
Jasmina Bidé, Education Officer: su.education@lse.ac.uk
Riham Mansour, Community and Welfare Officer: su.communitywelfare@lse.ac.uk
Julia Ryland, Activities and Development Officer: su.activitiesdevelopment@lse.ac.uk
Busayo Twins, General Secretary: su.generalsecretary@lse.ac.uk
Your Sabbatical Officers are students who campaign and represent you full-time. They are paid and work for a year on the issues you care about. If you want to find out more about what they're doing, get in touch:
The LSESU Advice Service is independent from the School and can offer free and confidential support on academic issues, housing matters, and the LSESU hardship funds. If we can’t help you, we’ll make sure you get to the people who can* Drop-ins: Students’ Union Reception, 3rd Floor, Saw Swee Hock Student Centre Reception, between 11am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. Or book an appointment in advance by contacting 020 7955 7158 or emailing: su.advice@lse.ac.uk
LSESU SABBATICAL OFFICERS
LSESU ADVICE SERVICE
LSE FAITH CENTRE
You can contact your warden by checking your hall web page at: www.lse.ac.uk/intranet /students/currentHallResidents
LSE HALLS OF RESIDENCE WARDENS
Provides IT-based disability advice. Contact Sebastiaan Eldritch-Boersen: s.r.eldritch-boersen@lse.ac.uk
IMT
For specific disability and careers advice, contact Viki Chinn, Careers Consultant: v.e.chinn@lse.ac.uk
LSE CAREERS
AND SUPPORT NETWORK
This guide is full of info to help you through exam season including tips to de-stress, revision ideas and how to get extra support. If you have questions about your exam or need more support you can get help here: FOR EXAM RELATED QUERIES School’s Student Services Centre bit.ly/ExamQuestions Phone: 020 7955 6167 FOR SUPPORT LSE’s Counselling Service bit.ly/LSECounselling Phone: 020 7852 3627 Email: student.counselling@lse.ac.uk. LSESU Advice Service lsesu.com/advice Phone: 020 7955 7158 Email: su.advice@lse.ac.uk
LSESU.COM