Wellbeing Blog: How to look after your wellbeing during the results period
Student experience 11 August 2020
It’s that time of the year again… students all around the country (and beyond) are anxiously awaiting exam results which could determine how and where they will be spending the next chapter of their lives. This is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time, especially as these feelings may have been further amplified for many this year due to an unexpected change in circumstances, so it’s important to be mindful of how this may be affecting your wellbeing.
Here are a few top tips on how to navigate this period and cope with any unexpected or disappointing outcomes…
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Don’t compare yourself to others
This is key. It’s important to remember that your peers have had a different experience from you, even if they have been right sitting next to you in class (or on Zoom!) all year. We all have a range of different academic abilities and learning styles, as well as the added pressures of juggling different commitments, responsibilities and situations in our personal life. This has even more significance during the current pandemic, as home lives and learning environments will differ for each individual. Some may have had the added responsibility of caring for family members during the lockdown, and the emotional impact of a global pandemic will have affected everyone in a variety of different ways. It’s also important to remember that your peers may be struggling during this time, so be mindful of this when sharing your own achievements.
These are truly unprecedented times so you should feel proud of continuing with your academic studies, no matter what the outcome.
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Have a Plan B (and even C…)
Unfortunately, things don’t always go to plan. This is an important learning experience and the resilience and skills you learn during this time will undoubtedly be useful to you in later life.
It’s not all doom and gloom though! We are lucky to live in an age where there are many different routes and opportunities to achieve your goals if you don’t get the grades needed for your next stage of education or your chosen career path. It’s useful to do some research around this and explore available options so that you’ve already got a back-up plan ready if you don’t receive the grades you were expecting. It’s much easier to do this in advance, where possible, as it will feel a lot more manageable when dealing with a disappointment.
If you feel your results do not accurately represent your abilities, there may be specific paths such as exam resits or academic appeals available to you. It’s worth reaching out to your current or future education provider to discuss these. For current UoM Chemistry students, please get in touch with us at chemistry@manchester.ac.uk or contact your personal tutor if you’d like to talk through your options.
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Use this as a learning experience
Instead of dwelling on a difficult situation, try turning it into a positive learning experience and prepare yourself for future studies/employment. Take the time to read any feedback or notes you may have been given, and try asking yourself the following questions:
What could I do differently in the future?
Am I taking the right path?
Do I need more support?
Remember that the University of Manchester has many support options available to help you through your next stage of study- these include support for students with disabilities, different learning requirements, or mental health and wellbeing needs. Links to these resources are listed below (under ‘Reach Out’).
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Remember that this does not define who you are
Academic results are based on a snapshot of time and are often only an indication of knowledge in a specific area. Although you may be passionate and dedicated to your studies, there is MUCH more to you as a person. Perhaps try listing some of the following to help remind you of this:
What are you proud of?
Have you achieved anything else outside of academic studies in recent years?
Do you have any skills or hobbies?
What are your interests?
How would your friends or family describe you?
Which parts of your personality are you most proud of?
Have you done anything to help someone recently?
Do you have any hopes or dreams for the future?
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Reach out
As always, if you feel that you need help or are struggling to fight negative thoughts and feelings then please reach out to someone. You are not alone in these feelings and there is help available to you.
UoM Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)
UoM Student Support and Wellbeing Services
Mind- Mental Health Support and Information
Samaritans Webpage- Or call 116 123
Department of Chemistry Education Office Team- chemistry@manchester.ac.uk
Department of Chemistry Student Support- Jessica.hingley@manchester.ac.uk
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