Not Surviving Calmly (NSC)
Last year I found mid-year exams like trying to eat a whole loaf of bread in one sitting. Dry, overwhelming, and I was pretty sure I'd choke. Last year, I was you: caffeine-filled, looking at past papers as if they'd wronged me personally, and questioning whether taking a trip to South America, adopting a false name, and hiding was a good way out; Spoiler: it wasn't. But here's the catch: you're going to get through. And not only get through—but thrive. How? By remembering that these exams are nothing more than a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Exams officially begin very soon; read below for some tips to perform to your best.
Two things to keep in mind before we get to more detailed tips
1. Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s fear in disguise. We put things off not because we don’t care, but because we care too much and feel overwhelmed by the pressure to do it perfectly. The trick isn’t to “try harder” but to start smaller—write one sentence, do one question, open the book (even if it’s just to smell the pages and close it again).
2. Matric is not about memorizing the periodic table or pretending to care about rhyme scheme or difficult plays. And, despite what some say, it's not even about being the smartest student, or even a smart student. In my view it's about a) knowing the stakes first: the fact that a good performance means freedom of choice, such as choosing a degree that can allow you to be stable financially and succeed. And b) creating a consistent study routine where you actually work. Do not pretend to work but actually read the notes, actually do the questions, and actually follow the advice below.
If all else fails, just remember: you really don't want an awkward family reunion where you're hit with: "So… when are you resitting Maths?' The 2024 NSC pass rate was 87.3%. You're not a statistic—you're the hero. Treat yourself like one.
🔟 Study Hacks That Even Your Distracted Brain Will Love
1. Time-Travel with Past Papers
Past papers = legal time machines. Use Vulalearn. The more you do, the more you'll have that 'aha' realisation moment in the exam. Remember: easy training = hard battle, hard training = easy battle. I know which one I'd rather be harder--and it isn't the final exam that your future, at least in part, relies on going well. No joke: the best students don’t just study — they simulate. Do at least 10 past papers in exam conditions. No music, no snacks, just your inner academic beast in action.
2. The 25-Minute Rule (a.k.a. the Procrastinator's Productivity Hack)
Study hard for 25 minutes. Then do something unserious: blast TikTok dance tracks, stalk your crush's story, or pretend you're a Scandal villain about to expose someone's twin. Then go again. Rinse, repeat, conquer.
3. Protein Over Packet Chips
NikNaks are great... until Paper 2 hits and you’re slumped. Go for brain-fuel snacks like boiled eggs or almonds. They won't trend on Insta, but neither will failing.
4. Don’t Just Read — Reflect
Made a mistake? Don’t just sigh and move on. Write it down. Ask why. Then redo it later. You’re not dumb — your brain just needed a second shot. Top students keep a mistake journal. Be that nerd. Yeah, it sucks to realise you’re trash at opsomming or algebra. But hiding from it won’t help. Start with the topics that make you cry. Turn the discomfort into progress. or example, if you get question 2.7 wrong in Paper 1 2018, write in your mistakes journal: "2.7 Paper 1 2018." Then redo the question after 15 minutes or in your next study session. You must do this because simply understanding the memo isn't good enough.
6. Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour
You’re not a robot. If studying starts feeling truly, truly bleak, pause. Go shout into a pillow. Take a guilt-free walk. Then return, pencil sharp, soul intact. Just. Don't. Scroll. Those advertisers wan't to trap you in an endless loop--anthing but TikTok or IG because you won't escape.
7. Get the order right
In general the best order is to look at our notes, then videos, then worksheets, then exams: don't just sommige start with some random video and call it a day. First look at the content then, test yourself on the basics then get that brain-memory forming via real life practice. That is how you build true mastery.
8. It's a Marathon, Not a Viral Dance Trend
Studying isn’t about doing the most in one day and ghosting the next. Slow and steady wins this race. Think daily discipline, not dopamine bursts.
9. Ask for Help (Seriously, Just Ask)
If you don’t understand an answer, don’t spiral. Ask Vula in the bottom right hand corner. The answers willactually align with NSC memos unlike ChatGPT, since those are the resources (alongside textbooks) that it's been trained on.
10. You’re the Main Character in This Story, if one paper doesn't go well, just treat it as a short-term obstacle
At the end of the day, it’s your name on that script. Your choice whether it ends with applause or a plot twist. So show up for yourself, even if some days all you can do is 25 minutes and a single question in your studying. If one exam doesn't go to plan, forget about it: it's done. Continue with your study schedule, follow the above advice, and you will be rewarded.
Final Boss Level: The Finish Line
In 10 years, you won't remember the quadratic formula. But you'll remember how you stuck it out when it seemed impossible. And besides, if I—a guy who once learned Life Sciences by reading the textbook over and over in line for the exam—can make it through, so can you. Go Forth and Conquer Use Vulalearn’s resources. Cry a little. Laugh a lot. And remember: This isn’t forever.
From the Vula team and I we wish you the best of luck: perform to your best through methodical practice, never give up, and we know you can do it.
