Tips to manage exam and assignment stress

Published: 27 May 2025
International students in the cinema enjoying the stress less movie night

As exams and assignment deadlines get close, it’s important to take care of your health and wellbeing. Study Melbourne recently hosted a Stress Less Movie Night for international students. It was a full house, with 130 people watching the latest Mission Impossible movie. Before the movie, the event kicked off with stress management tips provided by youth mental health experts Orygen.

We’ve received wonderful feedback from students. They appreciated the chance to relax, connect, and recharge: “It was such a fun and refreshing experience. The event helped me take a much-needed break from study stress. Thank you!”

Some useful tips to help manage exam and assignment stress, try to:

  • take regular breaks
  • go for a walk
  • see friends
  • do some cooking.

These are great ways of managing stress and help you to produce happy hormones.

Make time to sleep. Social media takes you elsewhere, it’s a pure escape. We all love to scroll on our phones. If you’re scrolling socials before bedtime, use a timer for 10 minutes. Take control of your time.

Manage multiple deadlines by enjoying small celebrations along the way. Reward yourself for every deadline. Go out with a friend, sing some karaoke, eat some nice food, or whatever you like to do. Relax, you’ve earned it!

If you need a quiet place to study or connect with others, please visit the Study Melbourne Hub. The Hub has free Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, snacks and friendly faces. Stay well, keep balanced, and best of luck with your assessments and exams.

Upcoming events
Melbourne
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8 November - 14 March

Beach Buddies

Supported by Study Melbourne, Beach Buddies helps international students get active, meet other students, and try beach sports such as tennis and bodyboarding in a relaxed and welcoming environment. No experience needed. Equipment is provided.
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
Register
Online
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9 November

Information session for international students: Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program

Learn about Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program and the Registration of Interest process for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
Register
Melbourne
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12 November

Crafter-noon Conversation Club

Take a break from study with an afternoon of drawing, colouring and paper crafts. Unwind, get creative and connect with other international students in a relaxed setting. Afternoon tea is provided.
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
Register
Melbourne, Gippsland and Mt Helen
a person driving a car
16 November

Road Ready Victoria Workshop

Join the free Road Ready Victoria workshop for international students to build your confidence and learn how to stay safe. Learn about Victorian road rules, car insurance, pedestrian safety, road hazards, what to do after an accident and accessing your learner’s permit.
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
Register
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