For students, it's merry test'mas

What really frustrates youngsters is ‘exams’ and the stress that comes with that. But, what eats them alive is the fact that exams are just around the corner during the holiday season. Many professional colleges in Bengaluru have their final semesters during the month of December, when everyone starts to indulge in a holiday mood. Well, no holiday indulging for these students from engineering, medical, psychology, social work and law colleges in the city.

So how do they tackle the stress? Third year law student, BR Pavan tells us that he would rate his stress levels at six (on 10) as he has a lot to cover and the fact that he might not score good marks frightens him. Pavan strongly feels, “All professional colleges should change exam dates because if all courses have exams at the same time, we won’t be left out while our friends from other streams enjoy.”

For Varsha, who is a 20-year-old information science engineering student at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, it’s a matter of perspective, “Personally, I feel that I have adapted to exam stress at this point.  The pressure was much higher back in school. Having dealt with that, stress is easier to combat today.” She also feels, “Exams during this season are a hindrance when it comes to spending time with family and friends. December is meant for celebrating the end of the year, the atmosphere is always merry and there are so many events taking place. It’s unfortunate that exams are scheduled for this month.”

Stress is at another level for medical psychiatry student, Lydia Johnson who studies at St Josephs, and has to juggle her internship, final semester exam preparations and the festive season. Lydia says, “Having exams during festivals is always a heart break. Students preparing for medical and engineering are the ones who stay away from family for their education. And festivals are the only time they get to meet and be with their loved ones. So examinations during that time are definitely not a great idea.”

She adds, “I have a cousin who has her exam on December 26, a day after Christmas. Who would want to study at such a time? She’s definitely missing all the family gatherings, events and fun due to her exams.” Varsha tells us about the stress busters that she uses from time to time, “A tip I would give would be to declutter the mind, focus on putting in your best effort for the next hour or so, and then take a well-deserved break, have some fun, and repeat again. It’s best to do your best, but it’s important to relax too.”