How to deal with pressure and perfectionism during exam season

As a uni student, you’re probably familiar with the pressures of exam season. Between the late-night study sessions, the endless to-do lists and the nagging feeling that no matter how much you prepare, it might not be enough, exam time can bring up a lot of anxiety and stress.

For many students, that pressure is amplified by perfectionism—the constant need to excel, to get everything right, to come out on top. But while striving for excellence can push you to do great things, it can also take a serious toll on your wellbeing if you don’t find the right balance.

What has perfectionism got to do with it?

Perfectionism often tricks us into believing that anything less than perfect is a failure. This mindset can make exams feel like an impossible challenge – and create a lot of stress and anxiety. Instead of focusing on learning and growth, we end up fixating on every mistake and possible flaw in our preparation. And let’s face it, exams are stressful enough without the added weight of unrealistic expectations.

In competitive academic environments, that pressure only increases. Watching the other students in your units excel can trigger a fear of not being good enough.

How to prioritise progress over perfection

So how do you find balance between wanting to do well and preserving your mental wellbeing? It starts with setting realistic goals. Perfection doesn’t exist. The sooner you can accept that, the easier it will be to focus on what really matters—progress.

Instead of aiming for 100% on every exam, break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, aim to improve in areas you struggled with last time or set a goal to understand a topic better. Shifting your mindset from “I must get HDs” to “I want to improve and learn” reduces pressure and makes studying more enjoyable.

Remember, exams are just one measure of success, not a reflection of your worth as a person.

Embracing your imperfections

One of the hardest lessons perfectionists must learn is that mistakes are part of growth. It’s okay to not know everything or to get a question wrong. In fact, those moments of imperfection are often where the most learning happens.

During exams, remind yourself that effort counts. The hours you’ve put into studying matter, even if you don’t remember every detail during the test. Focus on doing your best rather than being the best.

By celebrating effort over outcomes, you can begin to build your resilience and lower your anxiety.

How to manage peer pressure and competition

Studying within academic environments can sometimes feel like a race, especially when everyone around you seems hyper-focused on their grades. But constantly comparing yourself to others is draining and unproductive. Instead of getting caught up in the competition, set boundaries that help you stay focused on your personal goals. This could mean stepping back from conversations about grades or limiting time on social media during exam season.

It’s also crucial to remind yourself that everyone’s academic journey is different. What works for someone else might not work for you—and that’s okay. Trust your own process, stay true to your study habits, and don’t feel pressured to follow someone else’s path to success.

Managing expectations—both from yourself and others—is key. Be kind to yourself and recognise that exams are just one part of your uni experience. They’re important, but so is your mental health.

If you find yourself overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Practice self-care, whether that’s taking breaks, getting enough sleep, or talking to someone about how you’re feeling. Our Student Wellbeing Advisors are here to provide you with a space to talk to someone or get support if you need.

Finding balance between doing well academically and maintaining your wellbeing is a skill that will serve you long after exams are over.

Remember: Progress is more important than perfection, and your best effort is always enough.