Develop a study timetable, and factor in sleep, meals, breaks, exercise and leisure. A great study routine involves balance, so make sure you reward your study with plenty of breaks.
Whether you've sat an in-person exam recently or will sit one for the first time this semester, we're here to share tips, advice and rules to follow to ensure your success.
Develop a study timetable, and factor in sleep, meals, breaks, exercise and leisure. A great study routine involves balance, so make sure you reward your study with plenty of breaks.
Aim to start your exam revision at least two weeks prior to sitting your first exam.
Try to revise in an active way. For example, make a list of key points, test your memory as you go along, and try to devise questions/answers about the information you are learning.
For written exams, complete practice exams under timed conditions with a pencil and paper. While knowledge retention is important, it’s equally important to ensure you can complete your exam under the same conditions you’ll experience in the exam room.
Get your calculator or dictionary approved. If you're allowed to bring a non-programmable calculator or a linguistic dictionary into your exam, you'll need to have it approved at the Student Centre first. It's best to do this early – the process only takes a few minutes and only needs to be done once. Simply pop into the Student Centre with your calculator or dictionary when you're next on campus. Just make sure that you check the list of approvable models before you arrive.
The Learning Hub has a range of resources and workshops to develop your skills in writing, critical thinking, time management, and more.
Check out the Library’s Exam Ready program for spaces, events and activities to help you de-stress before exams.
On exam day, ensure you’ve had a good night’s sleep and have eaten something. Do not try to learn any new exam content on the day.
It's important to get to campus well before your exam start time. You will be allowed to enter the exam room 15 minutes before the start of the exam. Arriving early ensures you have plenty of time to find your exam room, confirm your seat number and get out the materials you need to complete your exam.
Details of extra materials you’re allowed in the exam, such as a textbook, an approved calculator or a language dictionary will be listed in your end of semester exam timetable and your Canvas exam or test site.
As well as the materials permitted by the examiner, you may also bring the following items into the exam room:
When you enter the exam room, you will be asked to leave your bag in the designated bag area. The following items must be left in the designated bag area or placed under your seat:
As well as maintaining academic integrity while preparing for and sitting your exam, there are certain rules you need to follow during an in-person exam:
Examinations can be stressful, even if you’re feeling well prepared. Here are some techniques to help you manage stress and anxiety during an in-person exam:
Congratulations on completing your exam!
After the exam, ensure you recharge with food and rest well. If you meet with friends afterwards who also completed the exam, agree that you’ll only talk about the exam for five minutes – leave all anxieties and stress about the exam in the past.
Updated 24 October 2023.