How to get the support you need from your loved ones during exams
Preparing for exams can feel overwhelming and isolating. But leaning on your loved ones can make a big difference to both your wellbeing and your motivation. Here are a few simple ways to include friends and family in the process.
There’s no ‘I’ in team.
It takes a village.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Prepping for an exam can feel like a one-person mission. Isolating. All-consuming. Stressful.
In those moments, it’s easy to forget the clichés about teamwork—but they’re more relevant than you think.
Yes, on exam day, you’ll be on your own. But getting to that point doesn’t have to be a solo journey. In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Your partner, kids, flatmates, and friends should be part of the process too. Because with the right support, you’re far more likely to stay motivated, focused, and (mostly) sane.
So how do you get the support you need? Here are a few tips…
1. Talk to them—regularly
It might feel easier to shut everyone out while you study, but isolation can make the stress worse—not better.
The truth is, your loved ones want to support you. But they’re not mind readers.
If you're overwhelmed, say so. If you're stressed, let them in. Even if you're doing okay, make time for regular check-ins—no matter how packed your revision schedule is.
A quick chat can make a world of difference. Research shows that just one meaningful conversation with a friend each day can significantly boost your wellbeing.
Plus, it can help your loved ones feel more connected to what you’re going through.
2. Be honest about what you need
Studying for an exam is one of those rare times when it’s okay—necessary, even—to be a little selfish.
You can’t do it all. So don’t try.
Ask yourself honestly: can you really revise and look after the kids at the same time? Are you really going to squeeze in a full food shop on your only revision day?
Now’s not the time to be a hero. Be clear with the people around you about what you need—and what you can’t take on right now. Then ask for their help.
3. Set boundaries early—and stick to them (without guilt)
The last thing you need during exam season is tension at home.
To avoid fallouts or misunderstandings, be upfront about what you can and can’t do—and set clear boundaries from the start.
Can’t spend your usual weekends with your partner? Let them know in advance, so they understand it’s temporary, not personal.
Need a quiet study space? A “do not disturb” sign on your door might feel awkward at first, but it gets the message across.
You’re not being rude—you’re protecting your time and energy. And that’s nothing to feel guilty about.
4. Create a schedule and share it
A study schedule doesn’t just help you stay on track—it helps everyone around you know when (and when not) to disturb you.
Whether it's a shared Google Calendar or a printed copy on the fridge, make it visible. Let your partner, kids, flatmates—even friends—know your key revision blocks. That way, they can support your focus instead of accidentally breaking it.
5. Ask them to be your accountability buddy
Having someone to keep you on track can make a big difference during exam prep. Set up regular check-ins, share your study goals, and use them as a sounding board when motivation dips.
Your accountability buddy doesn’t need to be taking the same exam—or any exam—but it helps if they’ve been through something similar and understand the mental load. (So maybe not your 6-year-old.)
Asking a loved one to play this role not only keeps you focused—it also helps them feel involved and genuinely useful during a time when they might otherwise feel a bit helpless.
6. Spend time with them—away from the books
When you're deep in exam prep, taking proper breaks is essential—and that includes quality time with your loved ones. Schedule time together in advance so it works for both of you. Don’t assume they’ll be free when it fits your study schedule—they’ve got lives too.
And when you do hang out, make it real quality time. Getting them to quiz you over dinner doesn’t count!
Don’t go it alone
The important takeaway is that preparing for exams isn’t a time to cut out people who care about you. That’s the worst thing you can do.
Letting your loved ones support you in a way that works for everyone can make exam prep feel a lot less stressful. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Lean on your team.
Are you a parent or partner? Check out our advice on how to support your loved one during their exams.
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16 May 2025
How to support your loved one during exams
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