A key thing to manage the stress is mindset - how we think about those devastating deadlines. The thing is, they don’t need to be so devastating. Right now, university and what grade classification we come out with can feel like the be all and end all, but the reality is that a degree is a degree. When you are out in the working world, the skills you have learnt, not the grades you have earned, are going to be what counts. And the less pressure you apply to yourself, the better your results will be anyway. University is not worth stressing yourself silly over - there is a whole life out there where, one day, this one exam that feels like the end of the world will be nothing more than a distant memory.
Another thing to take into account is where do you work best? At home or at uni? If staying in Newcastle surrounded by stressed students is going to make you feel worse, then go home and let your parents look after you. But if feeling trapped at home, cut off from coursemates, is going to be more anxiety-inducing, then stay in Newcastle, or come back earlier. Think about where you work best and where you are most comfortable, and get yourself into that environment.
Hobbies can also be a life saver in these hard times. Whilst it may feel tempting to sacrifice 100% of your time on the altar of essay writing and revision, this is not healthy nor helpful. Your brain is a muscle and, like any other, it will need breaks and recovery time to work to the best of its ability. Intersperse your hard work with some fun and relaxing activities that are completely different to your studies, like watching TV, meeting up with a friend, going for a walk - anything to take your mind off of the stress at hand.
One last piece of advice is to give yourself a light at the end of the tunnel - something to look forward to. Use the rest of January break as an opportunity to book a mini holiday, a day trip or a big night out. Having something positive organised for after exams can be a great reminder that life does go on, regardless of exams and the pressure we put on ourselves. We are meant to be having fun at this age after all, and we shouldn’t let our deadlines get in the way of that.
On a serious note though, if you do find yourself struggling more than usual, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends, family or even your professors. The University also has help guidelines in place, and you can use a PEC - we get two self-certified PECs per year, and they are there to be used. All in all, the main thing to remember is to put yourself first! You are far more important than any exam or essay, so don't forget it!