Exam Checklist and Managing Exam Stress

Bute Hall empty desks

Exam checklists

Please familiarise yourself with what to expect from online and in-person exams, then use these checklists to make sure you've got everything ready.

For 1:1 advice on exam preparation, how to interpret exam questions, or to discuss improving any aspect of your academic output, make an appointment or attend an online class with an adviser at LEADS for Students.

In-Person Exam Checklist

In advance of the exam, Please make sure you

On the day

  • Make sure you eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated
  • Make sure you have water to bring into the exam hall. However, please make sure all labels have been removed from the bottle: this is to ensure you cannot be accused of cheating
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get onto campus and to find the exam hall
  • Don't forget to have pens/pencils/rulers etc. in your bag (answer papers will be provided)
  • Bring your student card

During the exam

  • Ensure you have turned off and put away all electronic devices (phones/tablets/smart watches). The invigilator will direct you to where you can store your belongings: either at the front of the hall, or under your seat
  • Put away any notes/dictionaries in your bag
  • Ensure you have all the stationery you require to hand on your desk. You will not be allowed to access your belongings during the exam
  • Complete the front of your exam answer booklets
  • Do not turn the exam paper over until the invigilator tells you to do so
  • Read all the exam questions thoroughly, and make sure you allocate sufficient time to each question in order to complete the paper
  • Double-check your answers and that you have answered the correct number of questions
  • Keep an eye on the clock, so you know how much time you have left
Online Exam Checklist

Before the exam

In advance of the exam, make sure you know:

  • The date, time and duration of your exam (Exam Timetables)
  • How and where to access your exam on Moodle (your School will provide this information)
  • The exam paper format (essays, short answers, MCQs etc)
  • Where the online exam simulation Moodle is, what the submission process involves, and whether your device allows you to go through the simulation without problems
  • How long you should spend on your exam (see guidance on the four types of online exam)
  • Whether your device has any pending software updates or connection issues that will need to be resolved
  • The Helpdesk telephone number, in case of internet connection problems on the day: +44 (0)141 330 4800

On the day

  • Make sure you eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated
  • Prepare your workspace to be tidy, quiet and with enough room to work
  • Make sure your laptop / device is charged and that you have the charger to hand
  • Make sure you have the necessary programs/documentation you will need for your exam (e.g. Word, Excel, written notes, etc.)
  • Have paper for jotting down plans
  • Have water and snacks to hand
  • Have a clock or timer so you can keep an eye on time throughout

If you have technical issues and can’t access the helpdesk via the internet, call +44 (0)141 330 4800

 

The revision and exam period can be a stressful time. To help us manage these challenges, there are lots of proactive steps we can take to maintain our health, wellbeing and productivity. We’ve rounded up some top tips to help you feel calm and in control during revision and exam season…

Maintain the basics…

When life is stressful, it can be really easy to lose our routines and stop maintaining the basics. So, try and keep a focus on:

  • Eating well - try to minimise sugar and caffeine and eat a rainbow of fresh fruit and veg!
  • Drinking lots of water - people often underestimate how much hydration helps our cognitive functioning!
  • Getting quality sleep, around 8 hours' a night - if you're stressed, or struggling to relax and it’s affecting your sleep, there are lots of ways to aid getting a restful night - find helpful tips and strategies here.
  • Keep active – regular movement is a great de-stressor and helps keep us feeling fresher and more alert. Do some desk stretching, go for a short walk or throw on some upbeat music and dance around! Check out UofG Sports for plenty more info.
Get a good routine in place, and set realistic goals…
  • Think about when and where you work best - not everyone is a morning person, and there's no one best place or time to work, it's about what works for you. 
  • Take frequent breaks - research tells us that we can only concentrate properly for 30-45 minutes. Try using a technique like Pomodoro to structure your revision into bitesize chunks, and when you do take a break make sure you don’t stay at your desk!
  • Form a realistic revision plan (remember, no one can study five subjects in one day!) - having a clear plan of action helps to give a sense of being in control and on top of what we need to do. Equally, don’t panic if you don’t stick rigidly to your plan – tomorrow is a new day!
Relax and take time off…
  • It can be tempting to think we need to study and prep constantly, but this can be counter-productive and deplete your mental and physical energy levels, meaning you are less productive and focussed. Identify the things that reenergise and relax you, and make sure to include these in your revision plans. Having a good balance is just as important as the amount of time spent studying!
  • How you do in an exam does not define you as a person; we all cope differently under pressure and there is so much more to who you are as a person beyond how you do in an exam.
  • During exam time, we all feel under pressure but pause to think about how far you’ve come; on top of the usual challenges of coming to University, this year has brought us many changes to adapt to – you have done so well already, getting to University and adapting to the challenges of this past year.
Ground yourself, and remember to breathe..

If you feel your anxiety rising at any point, try a simple grounding technique – pause, and find: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can smell, 2 things you can touch, 1 thing you can taste.

Above everything else, remember to breathe! We can use our breath to relieve anxiety, improve our focus and concertation to name just a few benefits. Here’s how in four easy steps:

  • Inhale through your nose gently for two seconds.
  • Hold your breath in for one second.
  • Breathe out through your mouth slowly for four seconds.
  • Repeat for one minute (or longer if you like) and you should feel a difference in your mood!
  • If the 2-1-4 count feels too short, try to lengthen your breaths slightly. As long as you breathe out longer than you breathe in you’ll feel the calming benefit!
If you’re struggling, talk to someone…

Help is always available at UofG including our Peer Supporters. If anxiety (or any other mental health issue) is affecting your ability to function, you can also self-refer to CaPS.

 


Additional Information & Resources
  • You can find more information on the Counselling Team webpages, and if you would like to speak to someone about how you’re feeling, there are a number of support services available: Sharing your experiences with a fellow student may also be helpful, and Peer Wellbeing Support is a confidential, student-led listening service. It allows students to talk and share their problems, and receive support from trained Peer Wellbeing Supporters. 
  • If you are experiencing mental health difficulties that are affecting your ability to function, you can self-refer to our Counselling and Wellbeing Team via their website for a consultation (remember to check your email regularly, as you will be asked to complete pre-appointment information once you have registered).  
  • The International Student Support Team can provide support and guidance for international students.
  • Glasgow Students Nightline is a confidential listening service operated by students for students, you can find more information on their webpage 
  • If you are a student living in halls of residence you can contact your Residence Life Team who are on hand for support, welfare issues and signposting. 

The UofG Life app also provides useful links to health and wellbeing resources available to students. You can download the app via Apple Store and Google Play. You can also access the app via the University’s app website.

First published: 8 December 2022

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