Exam season can be stressful and not knowing what to do on the day can create unnecessary stress. That is why it is good to be prepared and ready for them beforehand.

What to do the night before your exam:

1. Double check your exam timetable.

It is important to double check your timetable so you know where and what time your exam is.  Your exam timetable can be found on Learn, along with the locations of exams.

2. Make sure you know your seat number.

This is another thing to take note of the night before your exam! You can find your seat number on Learn but don’t worry if you forget, there will be a hard copy outside the exam venue.

3. Familiarise yourself with the University’s Exam Regulations.

They will give you an in-depth description of the rules surrounding exams, including prohibited items and general conduct during your exam. The University’s Exam and other regulations can be found online here.

4. Check that you have the right items for your exam.

Double check that the items you’ll be using during the exam are approved by the University. This is because not all calculator models are approved by the University and dictionaries need to be clear of all written notes and approved by your School/Department. You can check this here.

5. Get a good nights sleep.

Sometimes the best preparation you can do for your exam is getting a good nights sleep. As a result, you’ll wake up feeling fresh and more relaxed if you’ve rested properly.

On the day:

1. Have a carb-heavy breakfast with some fruit.

Carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread or porridge, and fruit are known to slowly release energy. This means that they will keep you going throughout the day, making them a perfect pre-exam snack.

2. Don’t forget a bottle of water (with no label).

Staying hydrated is important during the exam season. It can make you feel less tired and improve your concentration, so bringing some water into an exam can help this. However, make sure to take the label off though!

3. Arrive at the Examination Hall early.

Try to arrive at your exam location at least 15 minutes early. This gives avoids any travel issues you may have and gives you enough time to find your seat without rushing, which could add extra stress.

4. Only bring necessary items with you.

You can’t bring coats and bags into your exam so it is easier to leave them at home. If it’s a cold day or you need to bring items, leave them in the area designated by the Invigilators.

5. Make sure you don’t have any prohibited items.

Prohibited items include mobile phones or any device that can receive/send communications, as well as any revision notes or blank paper. You can find out more about prohibited items here.

You can find out more about your exams in the online Student Handbook here. Good luck!