Finding balance during exam season

“Something I hear a lot is all nighters being beneficial,” says Fatima Zaidi, a third-year student and a HealthyU Wellness Peer educator. As a neuroscience and mental health student, she says, “we've learned multiple times that pulling all nighters is not beneficial for when you're actually taking that exam and also not beneficial for long term retention.”

Ahead of the exam period, students fill the Sam Ibrahim building to study. Photo By:(Mai Ha // The Underground)

Exam season is upon UTSC, which means most students are busy cramming in lecture notes, studying until the last minute, and navigating the familiar wave of stress that arrives every semester.

In the scramble to stay on top, students often overlook the strategies and resources that can make the season more manageable. 

A common misconception is the belief that sacrificing sleep to catch up on coursework or retain as much information as possible before the big day will pay off. But the infamous “all-nighter” method is not as beneficial as it may seem.

“Something I hear a lot is all nighters being beneficial,” says Fatima Zaidi, a third-year student and a HealthyU Wellness Peer educator. 

As a neuroscience and mental health student, she says, “we've learned multiple times that pulling all nighters is not beneficial for when you're actually taking that exam and also not beneficial for long term retention.”

“Obviously if you're sleep deprived, you won't be in your right state of mind,” she adds.

Instead, she recommends at least six hours of sleep and avoiding all-nighters whenever possible. Finding balance during this period is also imperative as many students often end up in a cycle of cramming, leaving little time to take care of themselves, says Zaidi.

She emphasizes the importance of preparing before finals even begin. She prefers to start two weeks in advance; identifying what she needs to review, catching up on lectures, and managing her personal schedule, while still making time for herself and her social life.

“I find time to see my friends, maybe go catch a movie here and there just so that you still have some breaks where you're not just studying.”

For Zaidi, exam stress is not unfamiliar territory, but students who are unaware of the services offered to them may miss out on opportunities for help. UTSC offers a variety of support systems for mental health and wellbeing, including exam supports. 

“I think my stress manifests itself in the expectations I hold for myself…Finals are the scariest for me,” she admits and she’s not alone in her experiences.

“I think it's a canon uni student experience to procrastinate,” she laughs. “I live with roommates. I've witnessed the crash outs at like 12 a.m. So I think we all have very similar struggles.” adds Zaidi.

Members of UTSC’s 2025 HealthyU Wellness Peer Program Mental Health Team. (Photo Credits: @wellness_utsc Instagram)

When text anxiety began affecting her performance, Zaidi turned to campus services for support. Through Health & Wellness and Accessibility, she was able to get accommodations in place that helped her.

Human connection is also just as important during this busy phase for students, who may unintentionally isolate themselves into study marathons. Events that bring students together, especially those aimed at wellbeing, can provide both relief and a reminder that they aren’t going through this alone.

One of the biggest in-person support is the annual November Exam Jam, hosted by UTSC’s Student Experience & Wellbeing to promote wellness and help students de-stress before exams.

Happening Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Meeting Place, the drop-in event is open to all students and designed to encourage mental breaks and connection with campus services.

Students attending the Exam Jam will have the opportunity to interact with offices like Academic Advising, Health and Wellness, Student Housing and Residence Life, and the International Student Centre, and Student Life – all offering just-in-time tips and resources for studying and exam preparation.

In addition to practical support, Exam Jam offers experiential activities to help students unwind. DIY stress balls, watercolour bookmarks, create-your-own bullet journals, puzzles, and games are among options available.

The goal isn’t just relaxation, it’s community.

“We also work to help students make human connections during the event which we believe are an important part of wellness,” says Kristen Wallace, Student Life Coordinator.

Attendees can also pick up free exam kits stocked with essentials including a pen, pencil, highlighter, fidget toy, post-it notes, and motivational notes.

One of the highlights is the appearance of therapy pets, provided by Pawsitively Pets. Last year's line up featured snakes, turtles, hedgehog’s, bunnies, and many other friendly animals.

Whether you’re looking to de-stress, connect with others, or just have a little fun before exams, Exam Jam offers a welcoming space to recharge. Zaidi notes that other events will continue to be promoted on Instagram at @wellness_utsc.

Authors note: The Underground is not sponsoring wellness UTSC, it is simply a resource available for students on campus.