"It has been an eye-opener, that others feel the same way as me."
FAQ about the group course
The group course is for you who experience nervousness to such an extent that your performance in e.g. teaching or for exams is affected by it.
It is also for you who are unhappy to such an extent that it affects your everyday life.
The group is led by an experienced counsellor who is used to talking to students who have exam anxiety.
Sharing professional knowledge
For each session, there will be an introduction to the day's topic followed by various exercises, sparring and group discussions.
There may also be some homework to deal with before the next meeting. As a participant in the group course, you can have an influence on the activities that take place in the meeting rooms.
Sparring with others in the same situation
The group course provides a framework for you to share your experiences with students in the same situation.
Although it may seem scary to share your challenges with others, it is an important exercise that can help you deal with your exam anxiety.
The counsellor will support you and create a safe environment.
Confidentiality
Everything shared in the group stays in the group. All participants, including the counsellor, are therefore subject to a duty of confidentiality.
Community outside the group
The group also provides an opportunity for participants to meet outside the group.
In the spring of 2025, there will be Exam Anxiety Groups on all SDU campuses
You can participate in the group sessions at the campuses in Odense, Slagelse, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Kolding. All meetings will be held in person.
Each course runs on the same day and at the same time through the months of February, March, April, and May 2025
- SDU Odense: 8 sessions on Wednesdays from 10:00-12:00 and 8 sessions on Thursdays from 12:00-14:00
- SDU Kolding: 6 sessions on Tuesdays from 10:00-12:00
- SDU Slagelse: 6 sessions on Tuesdays from 12:30-14:30
- SDU Esbjerg: 6 sessions on Tuesdays from 12:00-14:00
- SDU Sønderborg: Yet to be determined
The exact dates and locations will be provided after the registration deadline.
How do I register?
Registration for the spring group course is now open. Complete the survey here before January 20, 2025, and you will hear from us about a week after that date.
There are limited places
We therefore cannot necessarily offer everyone who is interested a place. In case of overbooking, we will find another offer for the students who are not offered a place.
"I was more relaxed during the exam and got to sleep before the exam."
"The social aspect feels nice and almost gives me a break from everyday life."
"I think we have been given many good tools, and I have had a lot to think about between the course sessions."
"In just the few sessions, I have already noticed a huge difference, and I look forward to seeing how it will go before, during and after the exam."
"It has given me more courage to take the exam."
"It has given me more joy and courage in everyday life."
"The group course has given me concrete steps to work with my exam anxiety."
Podcast: Learn what it's like to have exam anxiety (only in danish)
Exam anxiety is the fear of not being able to succeed or ending up in unpleasant or embarrassing situations related to examination
It is actually quite normal to be nervous before an exam, in some cases it can even help ensure a better performance. But for some, the nervousness becomes so intense that it can be better described as anxiety, and in those cases it can have an inhibiting effect and make you perform worse at the exam or even choose not to appear.
Symptoms of exam anxiety
Typically, you experience several symptoms of exam anxiety. They can be different from person to person, but typically you can experience, for example:
- The mind goes blank and difficulty concentrating
- Desire to stay away or escape from the exam
- Frustration, sadness and self-blame
- Poor sleep and diet
- Nausea, palpitations and rapid breathing, sweating and a tendency to cry
These symptoms can occur both before, during and after the exam itself and can, for example, hinder one during the exam reading period.
The symptoms can also lead to one trying to avoid thinking and relating to the exam, to skipping actions or over-preparing.