I used to have this impression that life is easier in institutions of higher learning and universities. It probably is but I noticed the examination period still carries similar pressures. The pressures seem even more in institutions of higher learning since one is expected to be mature and thus requiring minimal supervision.

Chris Muhoza, a first year student at University Liberal de Kigali (ULK) says that examination time at the university is a constant thing. He finds life there a bit challenging as there is no time to relax like he used to back in high school.

"You see, in high school one could get some time off books and relax. But here you cannot, because the moment you relax, you might fail the next mathematics test and that is so dangerous here,” he laments.

It’s quite normal to feel some anxiety about exams. Some students find that it is that little bit of pressure which spurs them on and enables them to get down and do some serious work.

"Without examination pressure I cannot get motivated to read. I find it difficult to read without first seeing the examination timetable on the notice board,” Reveals Benjamin Mitali a third year student at the National University of Rwanda (UNR).

However, there are times when the anxiety goes beyond the little pressure and it builds up to a point where sleep is difficult and all you can think of is only reading. This may be unhealthy as it may not yield positive results.

Helen Natukunda, another university student says that exam pressure can even make you fail to interact with family and friends. It is true that exam time can be so challenging at times but a little trust in yourself can do wonders for you during the period.

Fabrice Manzi a third year student at the School of Finance and Banking says that everyone is capable of passing exams.

"One wouldn't have been given a place in the class or on the course if he or she didn't have the ability to do it in the first place,” he reasons.

It is always advisable to ask for help from your friends and classmates if you don't understand some of your course material.

"Forming discussion groups is one of the most helpful strategies as exam time approaches. By sharing with others about what you know, you also learn a lot from them. At least that works for me,” says Angelique Nirere.

Roger Mead, stress management consultant and the general secretary of the International Stress Management Association in the UK, in his book on how to manage stress believes exams are not bad in themselves. Instead it is the negative perception of them that often leads students to try to block them out until the last minute.

"Stress is not about the exam, but about what you think about the exam," says Mead. "People shouldn't see them as monsters they can't escape. With the right preparation they're not too scary."

Honestly speaking, until I read Mead’s stuff, I had the very sentiments about exams. Even after reading hard and feeling prepared, I would still suffer cold feet and sometimes break into a sweat. So, they are not monsters after all.
      
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