LAST MINUTE TIPS FOR JANUARY EXAMS
Get to know the exam
• You’ve probably done lots of revision by now, but have you familiarised yourself with the format of the exam?
• Look at past papers and get to know the duration of the exam, the type of questions and the marks available. It’s a good idea to work out roughly how much time you should spend on each question.
On the day
• Try to get a good night’s sleep before an exam. Don’t stay up late revising. Take the time to rest your brain.
• On the day of the exam, your main focus should be on staying relaxed and feeling positive.
• Drink fluids and eat a light meal before an exam. Try not to eat anything too heavy as this will make you tired.
• Take some light exercise. Perhaps you could walk part of the way to the exam. This would help reduce stress and encourage oxygen to the brain.
• Try some relaxation techniques. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help control panic and anxiety.
• Don’t forget your student card and any special equipment you need, e.g. dictionary or calculator, as permitted.
• Make sure you answer the question. Support your points with evidence and theory, and organise your answer in a clear, logical way.
• Keep strictly to your planned timings. If you run out of time for a particular part of the exam, write a brief outline of what your answer would have been and then move on to the next question.
Academic Learning Support
For more advice on study skills, including critical thinking, essay writing and time management, please get in touch with the Academic Learning Support team. We offer one-to-one tutorials on these, and many other, areas.
To make an appointment, please go to the Learning Success reception in Student Services (2nd floor), or drop us a line at:
academiclearningsupport@city.ac.uk
We are also running a programme of academic skills workshops, open to all students, beginning 17th February. Full details can be found on our Moodle page:
tiny.cc/learningsuccess
Counselling
Exams can be stressful and demanding. Keep an eye on your stress level.
If you’re finding this a difficult time, please contact the Counselling team, which offers a free service. This is an opportunity to talk to someone in confidence about what’s on your mind.
www.city.ac.uk/current-students/health-wellbeing-sport/counselling
coun@city.ac.uk
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