Whether you need to sharpen your study skills, get to grips with AI, or find support when life gets in the way, we’ve got the tools to help you prepare with purpose and keep your cool.

Prepare with purpose

Revising from morning to night without a break doesn't lead to better grades - it leads to burnout. To keep your brain sharp, you need to find a balance between study and downtime; looking after yourself is the most productive thing you can do.

  1. Recharge: Quality sleep helps you remember what you've revised.
  2. Fuel up: Your brain needs energy; stay hydrated and don't skip meals.
  3. Reset: 15 minutes away from your screen acts as a "reset button" for your focus.
  4. Reward: Use your hobbies or downtime as a reward for completing a study block.

We'd also recommend familiarising yourself with the University's resources and guidance on assessment support.

Struggling to get started? Reach out to your tutors, Academic Adviser, or course mates for a boost.

Mindfulness and wellbeing support

Studies show that mindfulness can calm the nervous system and reduce stress. If you need a hand with your wellbeing, dedicated support is available:

  • Student Wellbeing: Access University resources and support whenever you need it.
  • Togetherall: A safe, anonymous online community and resource hub to support your mental health. Register for free through the University.
  • Headspace: Get 85% off a year's subscription as a student for guided meditation and breathing exercises when you need them most.

Practical tools and AI

Polish your study skills

Master the essentials of note-taking, memory techniques, and time management through the Skills for Study Portal.

Using AI as a "Study Buddy"

Artificial Intelligence is a great way to boost your organisation or convert your study notes into a new format.

Create a study schedule

Ask an AI platform to "Create a study plan for a 9am-4pm day with frequent breaks." It's an instant way to build a structure customised to your needs.

Turn notes into audio

Some AI tools can turn your study notes into a "podcast-style" audio summary that you can listen to while you're walking or at the gym.

Quiz yourself

Paste your notes into an AI tool and ask it to "Generate five multiple-choice questions to test my knowledge."

Always check the rules: If you plan to use AI to help with assignments, you must read the University's AI and Assessments guidance and check your specific assessment brief first. Make sure you know exactly how and when use of AI is (and isn't) allowed.

When things don't go to plan

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, life happens. If personal issues are impacting your studies, you have support ready to help.

Talk to your Student Support Adviser (SSA)

Every Hallam student has a dedicated SSA to help you work through personal issues if they're impacting your wellbeing or studies. You can request an appointment with your SSA through Hallam Help.

Understand your options

Unhappy with a mark? Something gone wrong during your course or an exam? You have a few options...

Exceptional Circumstances (ECs)

If an illness or emergency affected your performance or your ability to sit an exam, seek support early. Speak to your Student Support Adviser (SSA) as soon as possible, and check our guidance on personal circumstances affecting your studies for important information on deadlines and how to apply.

Please note: University policies for Exceptional Circumstances often involve strict deadlines, so it's important you seek support early.

View Exceptional Circumstances guidance

Complaints

If you're unhappy with the quality of supervision, placements, or services, poor communication, or the behaviour of staff or students, you can submit a formal complaint.

View complaints guidance

Appeals

If you can prove there was an error in the marking process or application of University regulations, you may have grounds to submit an appeal.

Please note: Simply being unhappy with a mark or decision is not grounds for appeal. You cannot appeal a grade based on "Academic Judgement" alone.

View appeals guidance

Don't struggle with the rules alone.

Contact us at SU Advice for free, confidential, and independent advice on any of the University's rules and regulations.

Good luck with your exams - you've got this!