Category: Stress Management & Productivity

Failing an exam hits hard. Even if you know, rationally, that it can happen, it still feels like a disaster.. There’s disappointment, stress, maybe even shame.

For international students, the pressure can feel even heavier. Credits matter, timelines matter, and sometimes it feels like there’s no room for mistakes. That weight is real. But even then: failing an exam is not the end of your studies.

First things first: Your reaction is normal

Most students don’t just shrug after failing an exam. Panic, frustration, or the feeling of having let yourself (or others) down are common reactions. Many immediately start questioning their abilities or their whole study choice.

Try to remember this: one exam result does not reflect your intelligence or your effort across an entire semester and definitely not your future.

If you’re studying abroad, failing an exam can feel especially scary. Credits, study progress, financial pressure or residence requirements can make it seem like everything is suddenly at risk.

If that’s your situation, don’t stay alone with those fears. In many cases, the actual academic consequences are less severe than they first appear. Talking to the International Office, lecturers, student advisors or your examination office can help you understand what the failure really means and what options you still have.

At the University of Siegen, there are free-attempt (“Freiversuch”) regulations that can apply in certain cases. This means that an exam attempt may not count as a failed attempt under specific conditions.

Not everyone knows this and many students panic without checking first. Taking the time to look up the regulations for your program or asking directly can already reduce a lot of stress. Here you can find more information: https://www.uni-siegen.de/en/news/new-free-attempt-regulation-at-the-university-of-siegen-applies-from-the-current-winter

Try to understand what went wrong

Once the initial emotional wave has settled, give yourself the space to look at the situation with honesty, without being too harsh on yourself.

For some students, failing an exam is linked to very specific reasons:

• New academic formats
• Unfamiliar academic structure
• Exam anxiety or mental blocks
• Time Management Issues
• Ineffective study methods/habits
• Language barriers
• personal, health-related or family issues during the semester
• Emotional Stress

Most of the time, it’s not about a lack of ability. Rather, it’s about one or two areas that can be addressed and improved.

Try a different approach when preparing for the next attempt

Instead of thinking “I just need to try harder,” try to tell yourself “I need to try different.”

If exam anxiety played a role, workshops on exam anxiety, learning relaxation techniques, time managementor using the university’s psychological or therapeutic consultation hours can help more than studying alone.

If time was the main issue, planning more realistic study phases for the next attempt or adjusting work hours if possible, can make a big difference.

If studying felt chaotic or ineffective, learning support services, study skills workshops or talking to other students about their strategies can help you find methods that work better for you. Small, targeted changes are often enough.

One failed exam doesn’t define you

University paths are rarely straight lines. A failed exam is a detour, not a dead end.

Failing an exam hurts, especially when the pressure is high and the stakes feel enormous. But it is not a personal failure, and it does not erase everything you’ve achieved so far.

There are rules, support structures and second chances and there are ways to prepare more effectively next time.

You’re not alone in this! Many students go through it, even the best.

 

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Students fall behind during exam season for many reasons. Family responsibilities, emotional stress, mental or physical health issues, financial pressure or simple exhaustion can make studying difficult. Sometimes it’s procrastination and not because of laziness, but because the pressure feels overwhelming.

Understand why you’re starting late ⌛️

Before focusing on solutions, it helps to pause and look at the reason.

You might be starting late because something unexpected happened in your family, because your mental health made concentration difficult, because your body needed rest more urgently than productivity, or because you felt overwhelmed and avoided studying altogether. Procrastination and exam anxiety can also play a role, especially when pressure builds up over time.
If this applies to you, you might find this  helpful: https://blogs.uni-siegen.de/fit-in-siegen/2025/05/04/slr-blog-exam-anxiety-student-survival-tips/

Option 1: How to still get through the exam

If you decide to take the exam, the goal needs to change.

This is no longer about doing particularly well. It’s about passing. Passing under pressure is an achievement in itself.

Focus on core topics, key concepts, definitions and structures that are likely to appear in the exam. Let go of details that take a lot of time but bring few points. Studying selectively is not a weakness .

Study strategically, not perfectly

When time is short, studying longer doesn’t automatically help. How you study matters more.

Passive methods like rereading notes or highlighting texts often feel productive but lead to little progress. Active studying is more effective: explaining topics out loud, answering practice questions, or trying to recall information from memory. Uncertainty during this process is normal. Confidence usually follows learning, not the other way around.

Doing something imperfectly is better than doing nothing perfectly.

Option 2: When deregistering is the better choice

Sometimes, pushing through is not the healthiest option.

Deregistering from an exam can make sense if studying would seriously worsen your mental or physical health, if you realistically cannot cover even the basics in time, or if exam pressure triggers severe anxiety or panic. External circumstances can also make concentration impossible, no matter how much effort you put in.

Stepping back in these situations is not failure.

If you do deregister, it can help to reflect on what you need for the next attempt and to seek support from advisors, counseling services or fellow students. One postponed exam does not derail your academic or personal future.

Starting late is not a personality flaw. It is often the result of real-life challenges within a high-pressure academic system. Whether you decide to push through or step back, what matters is making the decision consciously , not out of shame, but out of care for yourself. 😉

Good Luck🍀

Your SLR Host Emma 😊

How small habits can improve your well-being

Creating a routine doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. In fact, small, simple habits can make a big difference in your daily life as a student. Here are some easy tips to help you build a routine that supports your mental well-being, energy, and productivity:

1. Start and end your day with intention

Set fixed wake-up and bedtime hours. This boosts your sleep quality and gives your day structure.

2. Create a loose daily rhythm

Plan basic things like meals, study sessions, and breaks – not to restrict, but to reduce decision fatigue.

3. Make your bed

It sounds small, but making your bed can give you a quick win and a sense of order in the morning.

4. Include movement

A short walk, stretching, or a workout – even just 10 minutes – can boost your energy and mood.

5. Schedule breaks

Don’t study for hours without stopping. Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break) or simply set regular pauses to rest your mind.

6.  Create a calming evening ritual

Try reading, journaling, or just putting away your phone 30 minutes before bed. This helps you wind down and sleep better.

7. Be flexible – not perfect

Routines should support you, not stress you. If your plan falls apart, adjust without guilt.

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-keeping-a-routine-during-stressful-times-4802638

Exams coming up and your nerves are already on edge? Totally normal. But the good news is: you don’t have to deal with all that stress alone. Uni Siegen offers some really useful ways to help you calm down and focus.

1. Join a ZSB Workshop
The Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB) runs helpful workshops on stress management, study techniques, and how to deal with pressure. It’s a good chance to learn helpful tools and to realize you’re not the only one feeling stressed.
👉 Check it out here: uni-siegen.de/zsb/veranstaltungen/workshops.html

2. Drop by the Student Living Room
Need someone to talk to? The Hosts in the Student Living Room are there to listen, support you, and answer your questions, whether it’s about daily struggles, uni stress, your studies or just how to survive the exam phase.

3. Take a break
Studying non-stop sounds productive, but it actually hurts your focus in the long run. Short breaks help your brain absorb information, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. The Selfcare Sessions at the Student Living Room are all about taking care of your mental well-being.

4. Prepare with a plan – not just panic
 A solid prep plan helps you stay calm and focused. Break your material into smaller parts, spread it over several days, and set realistic daily goals. You’ll feel way more in control and less overwhelmed.

5. Learn to handle stress (Yes, you can!)
Stress is normal, but you don’t have to let it take over. Simple strategies like breathing exercises, short walks, or even a change of scenery can make a huge difference. And if you want to learn more: Uni Siegen offers workshops on stress management and how to stay mentally balanced during exams. Definitely worth checking out!
👉 uni-siegen.de/zsb/veranstaltungen/workshops.html

6. Reach out for counseling
The uni’s Psychologische Beratung is free and confidential. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, lack of motivation, or just feeling stuck , talking to someone can really help.

7. Don’t study alone all the time
Group study can ease anxiety and keep you from spiraling over that one topic you don’t get. You can quiz each other, share helpful strategies, and keep each other motivated when focus starts to slip.

8. Move. Breathe. Sleep.
Sounds basic, but it works. A short walk, stretching, or some deep breathing can reset your mind. And please, don’t underestimate the power of actual sleep.

You’re not alone in this.
Use what Uni Siegen offers and be kind to yourself. One exam doesn’t define you. You’ve got this. 🍀

You SLR host Emma 😊

Do you also struggle to stay focused on your studies for long periods of time? Studying for long hours can be exhausting, and distractions often make it hard to stay on track. The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, is a simple yet effective way to improve concentration.

How It Works:

Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task.

Take a 5-minute break to recharge.

Repeat the cycle four times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes).

This method is effective because it breaks study sessions into manageable intervals, helping to maintain focus while preventing mental fatigue. The short breaks provide a chance to reset, making studying more efficient and less overwhelming. It’s a great way to stay productive without feeling drained. Keep in mind that learning is a personal experience, so if this technique doesn’t work for you, don’t worry we’ll be sharing other tips as well. You can try the technique on this website : https://pomofocus.io

My Source: https://www.todoist.com/de/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique