My Top 5 Tips for Exam Day!
It´s crunch time! Exams are upon us! You´ve hopefully done all your studying and are ready to go! I´m sure you know more than you think, it´s always like that!
It´s been a stressful few weeks, but all that´s left now is to sit the exams and then we can finally relax!
I´m actually quite glad that it´s time to sit the exams, simply because then I can stop studying for them! I am fed up with sitting in the Sir Duncan Rice Library (aka the rice cube) all day reading over my notes again and again!
To make sure you do the best you can in your exams, here are
my top 5 tips for exam day!
1) Prepare the night before
This seems pretty obvious, but it´s always a good idea to prepare your things the night before. That means you have time to get everything together and are not running around like a headless chicken in the morning of exam day, trying to find a pencil sharpener!
Make sure you have packed everything you need (e.g. calculator, ruler, pencil, eraser, pens, etc.) – I´d also recommend taking a few back-up pens and pencils!
Remember to sharpen your pencils and take a good eraser for filling out MCQ forms. Lastly, don´t forget to take your STUDENT ID CARD, as it will be checked during the exam.
2) Don´t stay up all night studying
I know some people swear by studying until late into the night before their exam, but if I´m honest, I don´t really think it works.
How much are you really going to be able to cram in (and actually remember), and what´s the point of being so tired during the exam that you cannot concentrate?
I tend to just quickly read over my notes just before I go bed, but don´t spend too much time on it. I just go over a few of the details that I keep forgetting.
Apart from that, have a relaxing evening, watch some TV, read a book and go to bed early. Nothing better than a good night´s sleep before an exam… 😴😴😴
3) Get up early, do some exercise!
Make sure you get up in plenty of time before your exam! If you struggle with getting up, set multiple alarms (I have about 6!😅).
I also think it´s great to get in a little exercise in the morning; just to help wake me up, get the blood flowing and prepare me for the challenge ahead! I do a quick workout at home in the morning (this is one of my favourites), but also leave a couple of minutes early, so that I can take a little detour and have time for a brisk walk around campus. For more ideas or to find out what kind of workouts I do, read my post on How to stay fit at University!
4) Eat breakfast/lunch
Whether your exam is in the morning or in the afternoon, it´s really important to eat something beforehand! You need some fuel to keep you going!
I always like having a yummy breakfast before my exam, as a) it´s something I can look forward to in the morning and b) it keeps me full and gives me the energy I need to get me through the exam! One of my favourite breakfasts to make before an exam are my Chocolate Overnight Oats or Blueberry Smoothie Bowl – they are such a treat to have!
Before my afternoon exam, I think I´ll be having a big bowl of my Grandma´s Vegetable Soup with some homemade Soda Bread – yum!
5) Stay calm!
Finally, and most importantly, stay calm! You´ve got this! 🤗
Remember – you won´t be asked anything that you haven´t covered at some stage, and it is unlikely that you know absolutely nothing about it! So, take some time to think about the question and make a plan about what to write! I´m sure you´ll be able to come up with an answer!
I hope these tips help you to go into your exams feeling relaxed and prepared. If, like me, you still have a bit to go until the (next) exam, be sure to check out some of my study/revision tips here.
I wish you the best of luck, and hey, always remember: Exams will be over in 2 and then it´s only 10 days until Christmas! 🎄🎁
