Preparation is key to exam and assessment success. Keep reading for essential advice on how to stay on top of your schedule and navigate the period with confidence—from the week before, the day of, and during your exam and/or assessment.
Don’t miss our top tip on what to do 15 minutes before your exam starts…
The week before
Check your timetable
Check your exam and assessment timetable on SUSSED, and be sure to take note of your venue, room number and seat number ahead of your exam.
Plan your route
Plan your route to your exam location well in advance. Campus maps can help you find your location. Even if you know the location well, it’s a good idea to have a ‘plan B’, in case your usual route is disrupted.
Utilise resources
As a university, we are here to help you succeed. For further guidance on exams and assessments, check out our assessment tips video, and visit the exams and assessments site.
Familiarise yourself with computer aided assessments
Computer aided assessments will be hosted via ExamStart, an entry portal for those who are completing an exam on a PC. We recommend familiarising yourself with how the software works well before your exam.
You can preview a word exam here.
You can preview a perception exam here.
The day of
Arrive 15 minutes before your exam starts
You need to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your exam. This means that if your exam starts at 09:30, you need to arrive at 09:15.
This gives you enough time to take your seat, listen to any instructions from the invigilators, and prepare to take/start your exam.
If you arrive late, you may not get the full time allocated or be able to sit the exam.
Ensure your calculator and/or dictionary is approved
If you need a calculator, ensure it is an approved Casio model. No other calculators are permitted.
You can see an example of an approved calculator model here.
If you need a dictionary, ensure it is a ‘direct translation’ dictionary (word to word) with no additional dialogue or explanation, context or grammar guidance. No other dictionaries are permitted.
You can see an example of an approved dictionary here.
Leave all electronic devices in your bag
Switch off your phone and any other electronic devices, including smart watches, and put them in your bag before entering the exam. You must then leave your bag and other personal belongings in a designated area as instructed by the invigilators.
Bring water to stay hydrated
You may bring water into the exam in a clear or non-labelled reusable bottle.
During
Place your physical student ID card on your desk
Bring your student ID card with you and place it on your desk where it can be seen by the invigilators — it will be used to register your attendance.
Listen to instructions
Before you begin, make sure you listen to instructions from the invigilators and carefully check the instructions to candidates provided on your paper.
Fill out the answer booklet and attendance slip
You must fill in the front of the answer booklet and attendance slip. Watch the helpful videos below to see how.
Further support
If things do not go to plan
You may find yourself in a position where your assessments are negatively affected by illness or other exceptional circumstances outside of your control.
The Special Consideration process is your way of letting us know, through which we will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to confirm that this has impacted your academic performance.
If you feel overwhelmed or want to talk to someone
The Student Hub is your first point of contact if you have questions and concerns relating to support, exams and wellbeing — contactable 24/7, 365 days a year via?online chat, email, or telephone?023 8059 9599. The SUSU Advice Centre can also help with academic queries.