Sana was in a dilemma. Her cousin was getting married, but instead of being happy, she was totally stressed out – she had her mid-term exams during the wedding days! The clash of joyous family celebrations and academic responsibilities left her stressed and torn between two worlds. She couldn’t give her full attention to her studies nor could she enjoy the wedding preparations.

I am sure Sana is not the only one who faces this kind of situation, as often important events coincide with demanding exam schedules and students don’t know how to navigate through both simultaneously. December, in particular, is a month when students grapple with exams and wedding, where joyful family reunions occur, needing a delicate balancing act that requires strategic planning, effective time management and support from family.

If you are one such student, and even if you are not, you might face schedule clashes of similar kinds, read on to learn how you can ace your exams and still enjoy all the dholkis and dinners.

Managing exams and family functions simultaneously

may seem daunting, but with careful planning, it’s possible to navigate through both without sacrificing one for the other. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help students like Sana make the most of both worlds.

Plan in advance

Start by looking at your exam timetable and family events schedule well in advance. Identify pockets of time where you can dedicate focused study sessions without compromising on your family commitments.

Mark the exams and function date clearly on a calendar or paper, put it up where you can easily see it and your parents too can check it out. This way you won’t have to overburden your memory with something that a piece of paper can easily hold for you. Keep your mind free to focus on the important things, like your studies.

Communicate with family

Open communication is the key. Inform your family about your exams and the importance of your study time. Seek their support and understanding, making them aware of your commitment to both academic success and family celebrations.

Have a chat with your parents and decide what you need for the different functions or dinners. Let them do the shopping and request your mum to take care of all the clothes and other stuff that you will be needing, so that all you will need to do on the D-days will be to get ready and go. Do not get too involved in doing all these time-consuming tasks yourself, learn to detach yourself just this time and trust your mum.

Be clear about your priorities

It is very clear and simple that you have basically two priorities – studying well for your exams and attending the functions. And that’s the order you should keep them in, for your marks belong to you, while the occasion is someone else’s who may be close to you, but is not you.

If there is a day when you have to choose between staying home to study for a tough exam the next day and attending a function, your priority should be you.

Create a realistic study schedule

Most of your learning and revision should be over before your exams or the functions start. Only a final revision session should be left for this time.

Develop a study schedule that accommodates both your exams and family functions. Break down your study time into manageable chunks, ensuring you cover essential topics during the day or evening, before your time and attention are diverted towards the festivities.

Try not to leave a lot for revision on returning from the wedding or dinner, since you will be too tired to accomplish much.

Focus on quality, not quantity

Prioritise the quality of your study sessions over the quantity of time spent studying. So if there are going to be many guests at home at a certain time, do not force yourself to study while there is too much distraction around you. Schedule your study time before or after the guests are going to be there.

Stay focused and engaged during your study periods and try not to think of all the exciting things that are about to take place or took place. When you are studying, focus on the task on hand, and when you are attending an event, forget about exams and enjoy yourself. This way, you will give your best to both things demanding for your attention.

Let technology help you

You can’t take your books and notebooks to functions, but a cell phone can always be in your hands there. Utilise it by saving your notes, key points, pictures of textbooks and notebook pages, anything that can help you revise while you are attending an event the night before an exam.

Also consider recording key concepts and listening to them during family events, allowing for efficient study integration.

Utilise breaks wisely

A lot of time is wasted waiting for guests to arrive, the celebrations to start, the dinner to be served and parents to finish their socialising before your family can depart. Take these intervals as breaks to review key concepts or quiz yourself.

Find a quiet and comfortable place during the event to focus on your studies without distractions. This could be a cosy spot away from the main celebration area. Sit there, ignore everyone and open you phone or Pad, and start revising. Go through your revision material, watch study lectures videos, if there are any, and you can even chat with a friend/study buddy to go through the main points of a concept.

Take part in only the absolute necessary activities that require your participation, otherwise excuse yourself, which everyone will readily understand, study.

Stay organised

Keep your study materials well-organised so you can quickly pick up where you left off. This will help maximise your study efficiency, especially during short intervals at family gatherings.

Make sure you set your school material, clothes, etc, before leaving for an event so that when you come back late that night, you don’t have to bother with arranging your things for the school next morning.

Be flexible

Flexibility is crucial. Be open to adjusting your study plan based on the dynamics of family events. Adaptability will help you navigate unexpected changes without compromising your goals. And it will also prevent you from stressing out due to a change of plan that may disturb your schedule or plans.

Take care of yourself

Amidst the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Ensure you get enough rest, maintain a healthy balance between studying and relaxation, and stay hydrated and nourished during family events.

In the intricate dance between exams and family events, students can find a rhythm that allows them to excel academically while savouring the joy of family celebrations. By planning ahead, setting realistic goals and maintaining open communication, students can navigate through this challenging but rewarding balancing act.

As December unfolds with exams and family functions, remember that success and celebration can go hand in hand, with thoughtful preparation and a resilient spirit. Good luck and have a good time!

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 2nd, 2023