Guest blog by Lily Meyers, a part-time freelance writer who specialises in producing articles for fellow university graduates. Lily is currently finishing her final year of studies at UWE Bristol and is hoping to pursue a career in journalism.

The thought of getting to the end of your university degree or time at school can be a daunting one and you’ve probably been enjoying the blissful ignorance of putting your exam results to the back of your mind!

As the big day approaches, many people begin to feel a seed of anxiety about getting their exam results, which grows as the day gets closer. This is perfectly normal and it’s important to remember that you are not alone. However, getting a plan in action and knowing how to prepare for results day, can help reduce any anxiety you may be feeling and actually enjoy your big day when it comes!

Prepare for what’s coming

An easy way to help reduce anxiety is to create a plan of action. One of the problems with getting exam results is that even the most confident exam-takers can be unsure of their results.

It might be the case that you are going on to do a higher education course that is reliant on you getting certain grades. Make sure you are aware of what you need to do when you get your results and how to find them. GC Education & Skills have numerous tutors who can offer support, guidance, and advice through this process!

If further education isn’t the route for you, GC Education & Skills also offer a wide range of apprenticeships and courses where you can start earning while you learn and get that experience with an employer!

If you don’t get the results that you need

It’s important for your anxiety that you plan what you are going to do if you don’t get the results that you were hoping for. The first thing to remember is that it is not the end of the world, and you still have options.

Some universities and businesses will still accept applicants if they haven’t got the grades in line with their offer, especially if they have achieved grades that are very close to their offer. You also always have your insurance university to fall back on that is still one of your hand-picked choices.

Clearing is also a great alternative to finding an alternative place to study or considering taking a gap year to give yourself a bit more time to understand what exactly you want to do and take some time for yourself to work, or travel could be just what you need.

GC Education & Skills can help support students in their next steps no matter what their grades. For instance, they offer Functional Skills and help learners achieve their maths and English qualification. Contact one of their team members today to discuss the best possible route for you!

Dealing With Anxiety

To help cope with the reality of the end of university or result day nerves, prepare for any outcome that could come your way. It’s extremely beneficial l to understand and accept that you can no longer control the outcome of your results as you have put the hard work and dedication in. There are, however, several ways you can help de-stress and prepare for your big day!

• Distractions – try to plan as many nice things as you can to distract yourself from worrying about getting those results. As the day gets closer, you might want to plan a day out to the beach, take up a new project, or perhaps do some additional work. Even hanging out with your friends can be a great and fun distraction.
• Talk it out – Surround yourself with people you feel comfortable talking to about how you are feeling and reach out to them if you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed. This could be anyone from a family member to your big group of friends at university.
• Exercise – taking up regular exercise is an ideal way to take your mind off life for an hour. Try going for a long walk, swimming, or playing a team sport with friends to help to combat anxiety.
• Sleep well – try to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep the night before your results to ensure you have a clear head for the next day.

Results day anxiety is perfectly normal and It’s important to remember, that it is not the be-all and end-all. No matter what happens with your exam results, you have options. Whether you are looking to go onto higher education, get a graduate job straight away or continue your education with an apprenticeship or a short course with GC Education & Skills, there are hundreds of other options that you should consider.

I wish everyone reading this who is waiting for their results the best of luck in whatever they choose to do in the future!

We would like to thank Lily for featuring as a guest blogger and hope for the best in the future.