Exams and timed assessments

Revision, revision revision!

• Try to avoid working in spaces that may make you feel sleepy or easily distracted, as this could impact your effectiveness.
• Use apps (like Cold Turkey) to block distracting websites and social media, or get a friend to look after your phone while you study!
• Check what revision support is available from your lecturers, or maybe organise your own study group with your course mates. You can book a Student Meeting Room in the Library for this.
• Your lecturers may supply you with past papers. Complete these practice exams if you can, as they will help prepare you for the real thing.
• Create a timetable to take control of your workload. Try setting SMART objectives to stay on track (for more information, see the Skills for Learning Independent Learning page).

You can also come along to one of the Skills for Learning Academic Skills drop-ins or with your revision queries (book via MyHub). One-to-one appointments are also available with the team – just complete the “Get Help” form. 

Be prepared

Make sure you know:

• The date and time of your exam or timed assessment.
• All the relevant information and understand the instructions for the exam. If there is anything you don't understand, ask before the day.
• What you need in order to complete your assessment. Is it open book? Do you need any specialist equipment, like calculators or dictionaries? Being well prepared in advance is the key to exam success.
• If you need specialist software. Some courses use Inspera for timed assessments - your lecturer will let you know if this is the case. Our FAQ provides more details about how to use it. You won't be able to install the software on a Chromebook so you may need to access an alternative PC or laptop - please contact your course team for details.

During the exam

When you are taking an exam or timed assessment, remember to:

• Keep track of the time, so you know how long you have for each question or section.
• Read each question more than once to ensure you understand what is being asked.
• Look at the amount of marks there are for each question, and answer accordingly. If you don’t immediately know the answer, skip the question and come back to it. Just don’t forget to tackle any left questions before the end of the exam.
• If your exam is online, keep support contact details to hand so you can get help if you experience any technical issues.
• Check your answers carefully before you leave the exam, or before the time is up. Try to leave enough time to do this checking before the exam finishes.

Support and wellbeing

Taking time out and looking after your wellbeing is important:

• Make sure you take regular breaks when revising.
• Keep hydrated and eat regularly, and try to get out for exercise if you can.
• Wellbeing support and help is available to all students.
• And finally, Good Luck!

Originally published November 2022; updated April 2024