The weeks roll by as you attend classes, presentations, and complete assessments. Late nights are spent studying in the uni library. Then before you know it, voila! It’s exam week. During the lead-up to exams, students experience a range of emotions, from gratitude to uncertainty about their expected grades. These feelings are completely normal.
Charles Colton, once said, “Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared…”. In short, even the most prepared students are going to feel uneasy when exams roll around. So, we’ve put together this survival kit. It is full of resources designed to set you up for success and help you prepare on every level for the upcoming exam season.
Exam preparation
As exams draw close, it is important that you feel fully prepared and equipped. First, be sure to check your exam timetable on your myUni app. Double check the venue as it can be stressful trying to find it on the day. Next, check Canvas for announcements from your Course Coordinators. They will keep you updated and informed about what to expect during the exams. Finally, have a positive mindset towards your exams and stay hydrated!
For more tips on exam preparation, check these links
How to prepare for exam time: https://uonnavigator.com/2022/10/24/how-to-prep-for-exam-time/
Secrets to exam success: https://uonnavigator.com/2021/11/07/7-secrets-to-exam-success/
Exam dos and don’ts
For a successful examination experience, there are dos and don’ts that you need to be aware of as a student. This includes what you can and can’t bring to your exam venue. It is also important to bring your student ID card or any proof of identification to your exam.
For more important tips check out the link below:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy2avS1ydmj/?hl=en
What if my exam is online?
Fear not! You can find out whether you have online exams by checking your Course Handbook. If this is the case, you will receive the relevant details four weeks before your scheduled exam. You can find more tips and info below.
https://uonnavigator.com/2020/06/11/how-do-i-do-my-online-exam/
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/736845/Online-Exams-Tip-Sheet-1.pdf
Free exam resources
Below, you’ll find a list of our top resources to guide you through the challenging exam season. Make sure to bookmark these gems and share them with other students who could benefit from them.
Creating a productive study space:
How to create a productive study space: https://uonnavigator.com/2024/05/01/creating-a-productive-study-space/
7 habits to boost your productivity: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6pTYtnSFjG/?hl=en
Study spaces on campus: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqZrJ8JgEVW/?hl=en
Study hacks:
Focusing on study when it feels impossible: https://uonnavigator.com/2022/04/02/how-to-focus-on-study-when-it-feels-impossible/
Study smarter not harder: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkaGb_tgDok/?hl=en
Making a study schedule: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsiWNtuAYhO/?hl=en
Study break tips:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtLhrW8g80Y/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkpdfHhgCoO/?hl=en
How to make a memory aid:
https://uonnavigator.com/2024/03/27/8-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-memory-aid/
Asking for and getting help:
Feeling behind on exams prep: https://uonnavigator.com/2023/06/06/what-to-do-if-youre-feeling-behind-on-exam-prep/
Support services at uni: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiHYrMMARm-/?hl=en
Support services/psychological help: https://uonnavigator.com/2022/04/29/university-support-services-for-squeaky-wheels/
Study support without leaving your bed: https://uonnavigator.com/2020/05/13/study-support-without-leaving-your-bed/
PASS sessions:
PASS for exams? https://uonnavigator.com/2022/10/24/pass-exam-sessions-what-the/
Everything you need to know about PASS: https://uonnavigator.com/2024/04/04/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pass/
Tips from PASS leaders: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CAo-Yg1B2jM/?hl=en
Finding a group or study buddy:
Health and wellbeing:
Creative tips for self-care: https://uonnavigator.com/2022/09/29/creative-tips-for-self-care/
Wellbeing tips: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CAE78bXgux4/?hl=en
All things stress: https://uonnavigator.com/2024/04/05/stressed-for-success-2/
Relaxing and recharging after a busy week: https://uonnavigator.com/2023/08/31/relaxing-and-recharging-after-a-busy-week/
How to feel rested and relaxed: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzApL00SRmb/?hl=en
Healthy habits leading up to: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs0SWYGAU4j/?hl=en
Burnout and procrastination:
Recognise and prevent burn-out: https://uonnavigator.com/2023/09/11/recognising-and-preventing-burnout/
Breaking the procrastination cycle: https://uonnavigator.com/2023/10/02/breaking-the-procrastination-cycle/
3 tips on managing procrastination:https://www.instagram.com/reel/CCSbiN8gvsn/?hl=en
Food and recipes:
Get your diet sorted for exams: https://uonnavigator.com/2018/11/22/how-to-get-your-diet-sorted-for-exams/
Taco rice bowl recipe: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Dd3B7SnfS/?hl=en
Fancy 2-minute noodles: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkICeshAVjX/?hl=en
Loaded baked potatoes: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjBy2-NABum/?hl=en
University resources:
Check out the link below for support tools, resources, tips and online programs:
Support services:
If you need some help or have any questions, these support services available to students at uni:
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support/academic
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/support/personal/talkcampus
On a final note, we do hope you find this survival kit useful and wish you great success in your exams. Take the time to explore all the valuable resources embedded in this article and make the most of them!