You’ve got this! You prepared yourself before exam day and have checked you have what you need. So, what’s going to happen next? Here’s an outline of what to expect on the day of your face-to-face exam, as well as some tips on how to make exam day successful.
Brain food
Start the day with a healthy, balanced breakfast. Think protein and complex carbs (low GI) that will slowly release energy over several hours. Don’t forget to stay hydrated (but not so much that you need the toilet every half hour!)
Dress accordingly
Think comfortable. You don’t want to be distracted by noisy material or jewellery that bumps on the desk. If the weather is cooler, you can wear your jacket in the exam room, but you will need to place it on the back of your chair so the pockets can be checked by UniSA staff before you wear it in the exam room.
Take everything you’ll need
Student ID … check!
Pens and pencils in a clear bag ... check!
Other permitted items for the exam – this could include a calculator, dictionary or a specific book ... check!
Leave home early
Don’t get caught out by the train or bus running late, or a car accident slowing traffic down. Leave a little bit earlier to ensure you arrive in plenty of time. See if you can get there early enough to relax and grab a coffee!
Positive thinking
Exams can be stressful. When you’ve got a lot on your mind it can be difficult to focus. Thinking about previous positive experiences will help improve confidence. Take a few slow, deep breaths, sit up straight, and just relax.
TIP: If you feel butterflies in your stomach, trick yourself into thinking you’re excited. This sounds weird, but it’s surprisingly effective. The feelings you get when you’re excited and anxious (butterflies in stomach, racing heart, perspiration, goosebumps, etc.) are very similar.
TIP: A positive attitude keeps your mind open, it keeps your body relaxed, and it makes it easier for you to concentrate and recall what you have learned. Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to not talk about the topic but, instead, just take a break and let your mind relax.
Exams will commence at 10:00am and 4:30pm.
The exam room will usually open approximately 10 – 15 minutes prior to the published start time. You will be invited to enter the room once it is ready.
BE WARNED: if you arrive 30 minutes after the published start time of the exam you will be refused entry.
Once inside the exam room you must locate your seat quickly and quietly.
Your student ID (and Access Plan if applicable) are to be placed and remain on top of your desk, visible to UniSA staff at all times. These will be validated during the exam, so if they can’t be accessed by UniSA staff easily, they will need to interrupt you to complete this process. You probably want to avoid this.
Do not turn over your exam paper until you are instructed to do so
During reading time
You can:
You cannot:
Throughout the exam
Illness during an exam
Leaving early
When your exam has ended
Before your exam time has finished:
When your exam has ended:
Remember to follow the instructions of UniSA staff and try to relax – after all your preparation and planning, you’ve got this!
Students are permitted to request ‘temporary leave’ to attend the bathroom during the exam. You must only use the nominated toilets – if you leave the building you will not be allowed back in for any reason.
Your departure and return time will be recorded and sent to the Course Coordinator with your completed exam paper.
Please expect to queue and/or wait to use the toilet.
You will be required to empty your pockets and present all items prior to entering the bathroom.