Don't Worry Surrey:
Exam Support Hub
Don't Worry Surrey, in collaboration with your Students' Union, is here to support you through your exams.
From study spaces to revision guides, we've got it all here. You can also find a range of wellbeing events and budget-friendly food and drink offers.
We know exams can be stressful, but remember that there is plenty of support available at Surrey.
Study Spaces
Looking for somewhere to revise?
Whether you need somewhere quiet to study uninterrupted, or you prefer other people around to keep you on track, we've got a range of study spaces to suit your needs.
The Library
Open 24 hours a day from Monday 29 December, the Library offers a range of study spaces and resources to suit your working style, and dedicated specialist staff to support you when you need it.
Throughout the exam period, an Exam and Revision Zone will be available in the Learning Development Zone on Level 1 of the Library building from Monday 24 November until Friday 23 January. This will include information on creating a revision schedule, study wellbeing tips and planning for exams.
MySurrey Dot
Located in various places across campus, there are five MySurrey Dot spaces to choose from. These are dedicated spaces for studying, revising and group work.
MySurrey Hive
With flexible seating, booths with TV screens and bookable rooms, MySurrey Hive Stag Hill and Manor Park are open seven days a week between 8.30am – 11.30pm. You can also speak to our friendly assistants for advice and support related to any aspect of your student life.
IT Labs
There are hundreds of PCs across campus and they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Check availability using our live PC finder below.
Family study room
The Family Study Room in the Library is a dedicated study space designed for University of Surrey students with children. Here you can work and study in a family-friendly, secure space alongside your children.
Your wellbeing during exams
The exam period is a busy time, which can lead to stress, anxiety and put additional pressure on existing mental health conditions. If you need support throughout the exam season, there are a number of services to help you.
Immediate Support
There are a number of on and off-campus services available to those who need immediate help.
Centre for Wellbeing
The Centre for Wellbeing is there if you would like to talk to a mental health professional about a personal, emotional or psychological issue.
Support from the Students' Union
The Students’ Union Support Zone, led by the VP Support, can assist you with your mental and physical wellbeing, as well as offering academic support.
ThriveWell
Through one-on-one support, workshops, and outreach activities, ThriveWell empowers students to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and access appropriate support services.
Join ThriveWell's Wellbeing Café every Monday 3pm-5pm for free drinks and biscuits, mindful colouring and a chance to connect with fellow students.
Health Assured
Health Assured is a Student Assistance Programme designed to help you deal with personal or student-related problems. They offer a free 24/7 phoneline and the Wisdom App.
Let's Talk
Your space for wellbeing support and connection. Find professional help, peer-led support, or discover other people's stories to help you have meaningful conversations about wellbeing.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity that focuses on reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection.
As well as having a permanent location in Guildford you can call free on 116 123 or volunteers will be in MySurrey Hive Stag Hill every Thursday between 12pm and 2pm.
What's on
Whether you need a bit of help with revision, or need a break from studying, check out our range of events aimed at supporting you through the revision and exam period.
Academic advice and support
Academic Skills and Development
Wednesdays 12 - 1pm
Learning Development Zone, Library Level 1
Whether you feel unsure about how to approach your assignment, or just need confidence to make sure you’re on the right track with your exam and revision strategies, the drop-in can help you to develop your learning. Chat with the Academic Skills and Development team (Learning Development Advisor and Learning Development Librarian) to help you develop your skills and confidence.
Maths and Statistics Advice drop-ins
Mondays 11am - 1pm
Wednesdays 3pm - 5pm
Maths and Statistics Hub, 11LB01, Level 1 Library
The Maths and Statistics Advice (MASA) team will be running their regular drop-in sessions to support you with revision techniques, exam advice and any maths or statistics concepts.
Normal Maths and Statistics Advice (MASA) drop-ins continue to take place on Mondays 11am-1pm and Wednesdays 3pm-5pm or you can book an appointment.
Disability and Neuroinclusion drop-ins
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm - 4pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill
The Disability and Neuroinclusion team are here to provide advice and support to ensure you achieve your potential. Attending one of the daily term-time drop-in sessions is normally the quickest way to speak to a member of the team.
Student Union academic advice drop-ins
Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7, Thursday 8. Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 January
10am - 2pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill and MySurrey Hive Manor Park
Got a question or concern? Pop in and speak to your Students' Union Support Zone.
Looking after yourself during exam period
ThriveWell is offering three online workshops to help you manage stress and burnout, improve your time management skills and feel more confident dealing with anxiety. These sessions are created to guide you through the demanding exam season.
Coping with stress and burnout
Friday 9 January
2pm - 2.45pm
Online
An interactive online workshop designed to help you understand the science behind stress and equip you with strategies to protect your wellbeing.
Mastering time management
Friday 16 January
2pm - 2.45pm
Online
An interactive online workshop designed to help you understand how to manage your time more efficiently, overcome common barriers, and build strategies that work for your schedule.
Managing uncertainty
Friday 23 January
2pm - 2.45pm
Online
An interactive online workshop designed to help you deal with uncertainty and learn how to manage setbacks with resilience.
Taking some time out from revision is essential, both to improve focus and your ability to retain information, but more importantly for your wellbeing. Our take a break section has a range of ideas for taking some time out, or check out the events below.
Wellbeing Café
Monday 5 January
3pm - 5pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill
Looking for a cosy, stress-free space to relax and recharge? Join us free drinks, biscuits, mindful coluring and a chance to connect with fellow students.
No need to book, just pop in by yourself or with friends.
Dog Therapy
Tuesday 6 January
1.30pm - 3pm
The Front Room
Pet the stress away with some cuddly, furry friends with your Students' Union Support Zone.
Free snacks and support
Tuesday 6 January
2pm - 4pm
Library Ground Floor
Are you hungry? Are you too tired from exams and revising to cook? Come and join us for some free snacks and ready meals to help you through this exam season!
There will also be some helpful resources to support students who live on campus in being considerate of their flatmates.
Wednesday workshop
Wednesday 7 January
1pm - 2.30pm
Shepherd & Bellairs, Library Level 1
Join the ThriveWell for a weekly in-person session designed to support our neurodivergent community. This is a neuro-affirmative, welcoming space where you can take a break and connect with your peers.
Free snacks and support
Wednesday 7 January
2pm - 4pm
MySurrey Hive Manor Park
Are you hungry? Are you too tired from exams and revising to cook? Come and join us for some free snacks and ready meals to help you through this exam season!
There will also be some helpful resources to support students who live on campus in being considerate of their flatmates.
Crafternoon with your Students' Union
Thursday 8 January
3pm - 5pm
MySurrey Nest
Take your mind off studying for a few hours and head down to MySurrey Nest for an afternoon of crafting.
Kitten Yoga
Friday 9 January
12pm - 2pm
KittenZenYoga, Guildford
Combine relaxation with kittens, where you can have a relaxing 45 minute yoga session followed by kitten cuddles. There are two sessions (12pm-1pm and 1pm-2pm).
Wellbeing Café
Monday 12 January
3pm - 5pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill
Looking for a cosy, stress-free space to relax and recharge? Join us free drinks, biscuits, mindful coluring and a chance to connect with fellow students.
No need to book, just pop in by yourself or with friends.
LUSH Skincare Workshop
Monday 12 January
12pm - 1pm
Location TBC
Get to know Lush products with your Students' Union. With hands-on demos and an opportunity to try out skincare products tailored to your skin type, you will take home a mini pamper pack to continue relaxing at home.
Dog Therapy
Tuesday 13 January
1.30pm - 3pm
The Front Room
Pet the stress away with some cuddly, furry friends with your Students' Union Support Zone.
Free snacks and support
Tuesday 13 January
2pm - 4pm
Library Ground Floor
Are you hungry? Are you too tired from exams and revising to cook? Come and join us for some free snacks and ready meals to help you through this exam season!
There will also be some helpful resources to support students who live on campus in being considerate of their flatmates.
Wednesday workshop
Wednesday 14 January
1pm - 2.30pm
Shepherd & Bellairs, Library Level 1
Join the ThriveWell for a weekly in-person session designed to support our neurodivergent community. This is a neuro-affirmative, welcoming space where you can take a break and connect with your peers.
Free snacks and support
Wednesday 14 January
2pm - 4pm
MySurrey Hive Manor Park
Are you hungry? Are you too tired from exams and revising to cook? Come and join us for some free snacks and ready meals to help you through this exam season!
There will also be some helpful resources to support students who live on campus in being considerate of their flatmates.
Crafternoon with your Students' Union
Thursday 15 January
3pm - 5pm
MySurrey Nest
Take your mind off studying for a few hours and head down to MySurrey Nest for an afternoon of crafting.
Wellbeing Café
Monday 19 January
3pm - 5pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill
Looking for a cosy, stress-free space to relax and recharge? Join us free drinks, biscuits, mindful coluring and a chance to connect with fellow students.
No need to book, just pop in by yourself or with friends.
Dog Therapy
Tuesday 20 January
1.30pm - 3pm
The Front Room
Pet the stress away with some cuddly, furry friends with your Students' Union Support Zone.
Wednesday workshop
Wednesday 21 January
1pm - 2.30pm
Shepherd & Bellairs, Library Level 1
Join the ThriveWell for a weekly in-person session designed to support our neurodivergent community. This is a neuro-affirmative, welcoming space where you can take a break and connect with your peers.
Crafternoon
Wednesday 21 January
2pm - 4pm
MySurrey Hive Manor Park
Join us for a relaxing start to the new year, with an afternoon of creative crafts and tasty snacks. Everyone is welcome.
Crafternoon
Thursday 22 January
2pm - 4pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill
Join us for a relaxing start to the new year, with an afternoon of creative crafts and tasty snacks. Everyone is welcome.
Wellbeing Café
Monday 26 January
3pm - 5pm
MySurrey Hive Stag Hill
Looking for a cosy, stress-free space to relax and recharge? Join us free drinks, biscuits, mindful coluring and a chance to connect with fellow students.
No need to book, just pop in by yourself or with friends.
Wednesday workshop
Wednesday 28 January
1pm - 2.30pm
Shepherd & Bellairs, Library Level 1
Join the ThriveWell for a weekly in-person session designed to support our neurodivergent community. This is a neuro-affirmative, welcoming space where you can take a break and connect with your peers.
Take a break
Taking breaks during revision is crucial for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, allowing the brain to recharge and process information more effectively. Regular pauses can improve retention and productivity, making study sessions more efficient and sustainable.
Brain breaks
If you're studying in The Library, grab one of their Take a Break Envelopes from Monday 5 January. Inside you'll find a teabag, mindful colouring, an origami activity, mindful puzzles and a worry worm fidget toy - perfect for a quick wellbeing break.
Why not take a break from studying with some leisure reading? Explore our SurreyReads leisure reading collection for a mental getaway.
Stay active
As well as having a number of physical benefits, exercise is hugely beneficial to your mental wellbeing. As you exercise, your body releases endorphins – a hormone described as nature’s antidepressant – which triggers a positive feeling in the body, increasing happiness and boosting energy levels.
Boost your mind and body this exam season. Get outside for a walk in nature; grab a map from the Library Welcome desk and head out on a guided campus tree walk.
Or head to Surrey Sports Park to help you de-stress, recharge and stay focused! A Gold SSP membership includes gym access, fitness and wellbeing classes, an Olympic sized pool and the annual membership features access to over 150 gyms across the country with BUCS UNIversal. Sign up via the Surrey SP app or contact sales@surreysportspark.co.uk.
SurreyMoves+ is the free-to-use physical activity tracker app for Surrey students. Earn points for walking, running, swimming and cycling and redeem your points on a range of rewards including food and drink at University catering outlets and SurreyMoves+ branded merchandise.
Eat well
When you're busy revising it can be tempting to skip meals, but eating well is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting brain function, which are crucial for effective learning and concentration.
From a filling hot meal at Wates House to free coffee refills at Hillside Coffee, discover our catering offers.
The University of Surrey Nutrition and Dietetics Society has created a journal to help with meal planning. Specifically designed for neurodivergent students, it includes a sample meal plan, budgeting tools and quick, easy recipes for those days you just don't feel like cooking.
Prioritise a good night's sleep
A late-night study session in the Library might seem like a good idea, but at what cost? Studies show that students who prioritise sleep have better cognitive performance, better decision-making skills and improved critical thinking abilities.
Read second year Gabi Hayward's tips for a good night's sleep.
Food and drink offers
Bringing brain food to you during revision season
Revision and exam periods can be a stressful time of year, so it’s important to find time to stop for a hot drink or something to eat. Take a look below for locations you can grab free snacks, unlimited hot drinks, nutritious hot meals and more.
Available Monday 5 January to Friday 30 January.
Study Space at Hillside Food Court
Open Monday - Friday 9am – 8pm
Kickstart your study sessions in comfort!
Morning offer (9am - 11am)
Pop in and start your day with a five-item cooked breakfast and a free filter coffee for just £2.50!
Evening opening (5pm - 8pm)
To help you power through your revision, we'll also be opening evenings until 8pm, serving hot food from under £5. Come along and fuel your focus at Hillside Food Court.
Study Space at Hillside Coffee
Opening times
Monday - Friday 7.30am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 10am - 3pm
Enjoy your study sessions with our £2.50 filter coffee and get free refills all day in Hillside Coffee.
Grab a free healthy snack to fuel your study sessions. Available from The Library every week day from Monday 5 January.
Extenuating Circumstances
During the course of your studies you may experience unforeseen exceptional circumstances that temporarily impair your ability to participate in your programme, submit your assessments or attend examinations.
Surrey Students' Union Support Zone staff give their advice around Extenuating Circumstances (ECs), academic misconduct and technical issues.
Help with Extenuating Circumstances (EC) from your Students' Union
If you are worried about the EC process throughout exams or you are not sure if you need them, you can speak with one of our independent academic advisors. Your Union advisors are independent from the University and can provide advice and guidance. If you are unsure of your circumstances being considered valid, the evidence you need, or if you'll get the outcome of an EC, we can help you. It is worth noting that we do not make any decisions on your EC and cannot guarantee an outcome, but have the experience to support you and guide you.
For help, or for more information, email ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk.
Extenuating Circumstances (EC) online quick queries
Got a quick question about your ECs? Book a 15-min slot to speak with your Students’ Union Support Zone who can provide you with independent, impartial advice about your ECs, if you are eligible, how to apply and what to do next. Every weekday between 12pm - 2pm.
SurreyLearn help guides
If you struggle to prepare and plan for exams, and want some quick tips you can use the SurreyLearn help guides below:
Guidance for use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools
If you are considering using Gen AI - such as the text generative ChatGPT - to support your learning and assessments, the University has produced some guidance which will help you make confident, responsible and informed decisions about any potential use of Gen AI in your studies.
Since exams went online, there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of misconduct cases being investigated by the University.
Read your Students' Union's advice for avoiding academic misconduct and plagiarism.
How we mark your work
The University has a 13-step process to ensure that your work is marked fairly and consistently. This applies to every piece of summative work that you submit. To help explain this process, we have created an infographic so that you can see what happens at each step.
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