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 January - 29 January

Summer at the Hub

Looking for something to do over the summer? We've got you covered! Bring a friend or come by yourself to the Hub and play some board games. You can treat yourself to ice cream and snacks, make new friends, and take part in different games.We have a wide variety of games to play, from table tennis to Uno, chess, Jenga, and much more. You can also expect to receive some fantastic giveaways from Study Melbourne.
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
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Melbourne
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3 January - 8 January

Outdoor Cinema: Dancing with Danger

Enjoy free films under the stars at Federation Square. A high-energy nightly double bill pairing musicals and action blockbusters to celebrate cinema's most kinetic moments - where choreography, rhythm and adrenaline collide. Enjoy the feel-good songs in films like Mamma Mia!, Grease, Hairspray and Labyrinth. Then come the action films - Mission Impossible, Point Break, The Matrix, and more, with combat, stunts and chases.
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
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Melbourne
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12 January - 1 February

Australian Open

The Australian Open (AO) is a Grand Slam tennis event, where the best players in the world gather to play at Melbourne Park. There's a festive atmosphere with food, music and plenty of off-court fun. If you're seeking non-stop action and world-class entertainment this summer, check out the Australian Open. There are many ticket options available, including the 'Opening Week Ground Pass' which is a great option for those on a tight budget.
Time: 8:00am - 10:00pm (AEDT)
Cost: Varies
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Melbourne
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30 November - 1 March

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is widely admired as a living work or art and one of the world's most beautiful botanic gardens. This summer discover a world of vibrant experiences at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Whether you're seeking adventure, calm or fun, there's something for everyone. Take a picnic, walk to explore, and enjoy the cool shade on hot days. There are free activities including daily guided walks, or explore Sonica Botanica, the Stories and Sounds from the Gardens. Visit the website for more information and booking details. Open every day of the year, free admission, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Time: 7:30am - 7:30pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
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