Study Rituals: The Curious Ways Students Prepare for Exams

The mid-term season is upon us, and it’s the time when students rise and shine to squeeze an entire semester’s worth of knowledge into their brains asap. But prepping for exams isn’t just about skimming PowerPoints — it’s a whole ritual, a delicate choreography of productivity, logistics, and, for some, sheer superstition.

To get a closer look at what fuels academic success (or at least minimizes panic), we gathered insights from students about their study rituals. From the logical to the ludicrous, here’s how students summon focus, calmness, and some extra luck.

1. Sleeping Notes

The night before an exam, I typically review the notes I've taken and add more to make sure I've covered everything I might need. I've read that reviewing before sleep can help with memorization. But there's also an old belief from my childhood that if you place a knife under your pillow, it will ward off nightmares and bring good dreams. So I did 2+2 and started putting my notebook with my notes under my pillow before exams, hoping it would help me absorb the knowledge even in my sleep. It is probably just my personal psychology, but I feel a bit more confident after that.

(Nikos, Greece)

2. Study therapy

I tried studying in the library, at home, listening to music, and in silence, but one time, one of my friends had this random urge to info-dump me with the weirdest things. She said:

— I just need to vent. You don’t even need to say anything.

— Okay? Then I’ll try studying while you vent? 

And it worked pretty well. Another time, one of my friends was just simply on a call while both of us were studying. That also helped. So prepping with someone else, whether just being silent or talking up the biggest info storm, still makes me much more productive. Honestly, I don’t know how it works, but it feels right.

(Ina, Hungary)

3. Merch Altar

I've collected a lot of Corvinus merch from various events. I mean… A lot! So it happens that every time I sit down to study for exams, I’m surrounded by it. I wear the Corvinus hoodie and socks, write with the Corvinus pen in my Corvinus notebook, and drink from my Corvinus water bottle while squeezing the Corvinus antistress ball. It makes me feel super academic and like… aligned with the philosophical idea of education, in a way. And that actually hypes me up to focus and study. Crazy enough, now I can’t do it without having something university-related around me — I'm hooked. #Corvinus #Fan

(Erik, Kazakhstan)

4. Plants VS Exams

I started a “cult” where my followers and I worship a rosemary plant. I used to have a rosemary bush growing in my room during high school when I noticed I became an academic weapon. Now, I buy rosemary from Aldi a day before the exams and aggressively sniff it while studying and taking the exam. It’s pure science (in my head).

On top of that, I anoint people with peppermint/lavender oils and lead a meditation circle to reach higher frequencies because only those energies can help us with these exams. I also wear many luck and intelligence symbols from my culture to maximize my chances of getting a 5. So far, it has worked.

(Masha, China)