Why a Funny Post Became a Symbol of Exam Season
During the most intense part of the academic calendar, the University of Malta community turned to a single image that quickly amassed over 100 000 likes and more than a million views on Instagram. The meme, paired with a still from the Korean series Squid Game, opened a door for students to share a moment of relief and solidarity. It is an example of how social media can transform everyday campus life into shared culture.
What Makes an Exam Meme Relatable?
Memes thrive on quick, visceral references that many can instantly understand. The scene used in this viral post shows two characters in a tense, ‘cooked‑up’ situation, mirroring the feeling many students get when they see an exam booklet with no clear study plan. The text—“Me and bro during exams knowing we are both cooked but at least we have eachother”—adds a personal touch that reflects the camaraderie found in library study groups, dorm kitchens, and caffeine‑fueled midnight sessions. The combination of humor and honesty struck a chord because it acknowledged stress while gently reminding students that they were not alone.
Impact on the Campus Community
Once the post hit the feed, it became a conversation starter. Students began reposting their own study‑session selfies, sharing funny captions, and creating a chain of supportive comments that echoed a collective breath of relief. The meme’s reach demonstrated the power of light‑hearted content to bring students together and lift morale during a stressful period.
Using Humor as a Coping Tool During Exams
While studying may feel like a solitary endeavor, the environment can become significantly more bearable with a dose of humor. Here’s how students can turn giggles into a tangible edge:
1. Identify the Source of Stress
Before laughing, pinpoint what specifically triggers overwhelm—sudden deadlines, large reading lists, or lack of sleep. Once you know the source, you can target it with humour that feels personal rather than generic.
2. Share Genuine, Non‑Offensive Content
Humor should uplift, not alienate. Avoid jokes that might offend classmates or faculty. Stick to situations that are widely recognizable within your group, like mispronouncing a long-form vocabulary word or realizing mid‑exam that a note has been misplaced.
3. Create a Shared Platform
Leverage the university’s official social channels or a private Slack group to post memes that encourage a culture of collective support. Consistency also keeps the momentum alive. A routine ‘mid‑exam meme break’ at 3 pm can serve as a brief reset that re‑energises the mind.
4. Combine Humor with Study Tips
Pair a funny image with a quick study technique. For instance, attach a meme about “staring at the lecture notes until they start talking back” to a short reminder about spaced repetition. This blend keeps the balance between levity and academic progress.
Balancing Meme Culture with Academic Integrity
Humour is valuable, yet it can blur the line between friendly banter and potential plagiarism or distraction. University guidelines emphasise that all content used for study or public sharing should respect intellectual property laws. By attributing original creators and ensuring that any memes reposted are either in the public domain or properly licensed, students can maintain academic integrity while enjoying light‑hearted moments.
Guidelines for Sharing Memes
- Check the source: Use images from free sites or those linked to the university’s media library.
- Avoid modifying content that could inadvertently change the meaning or create new conflicts.
- Keep captions short and unambiguous – this reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
- Monitor feedback: If a meme sparks negative comments, pause its distribution and assess the audience’s reaction.
Beyond the Meme: Supporting Student Well‑Being
Memes can open a conversation, but they also shine a light on deeper issues surrounding student well‑being. University of Malta offers several services that can be complemented by a culture of humour:
- Student Health Centres: Offer counseling and stress‑management workshops.
- Academic Support Units: Provide tutoring and study‑group facilitation.
- Extracurricular Clubs: These venues create informal spaces for sharing experiences, including humor.
By integrating the meme’s spirit into these official channels, students can foster a supportive atmosphere that embraces both academic rigor and emotional resilience.
How Students Can Keep the Momentum After Examinations
Once exams finish, the internet’s focus will naturally shift. Still, the pattern of using cooperative humour to manage stress is here to stay. Consider these actionable steps:
- Create a Year‑End Meme Archive: Tagging your favourite exam‑season posts helps preserve collective memory and can be used for future reference or to share with new students.
- Host a Meme‑Based Study Off‑site: Organise a half‑day event where students discuss unique study hacks while viewing and creating memes relevant to their latest course.
- Launch a Meme Challenge: Invite the class to produce a meme for each major milestone—first lecture, mid‑term, final. This encourages continual engagement and celebrates progress.
- Mentorship Integration: Use memes in mentorship meetings to gauge first‑year students’ stress levels and break the ice.
Take Action Today
Now that you’re familiar with the power of community‑built humor and its concrete benefits, it’s time to act. Whether you’re an aspiring student, a current peer, or a faculty member, your involvement can shape a healthier, happier campus culture.
Submit your application today if you want to study at an institution that values support and innovation. Undergraduate students may also explore available courses that integrate well‑being practices.
For those interested in deeper guidance, schedule a free consultation with the student support office to discuss personalized study strategies.
Have questions? Write to us! Or share your own exam‑time memes in the comments below to keep the conversation going.
Check out the original post and related news to understand how these moments stitch a vibrant campus tapestry.
