Support during the Exam and Assessment period
As we get further into the term, we know that many of you have assessments and exams either ongoing or coming up.
We know that this can be quite a stress-inducing time for many students, and perhaps a time of uncertainty if this is your first year, but there is plenty of support to help you.
We have put together this article to provide you with some tips, support services, and other general information to help get you through this potentially more demanding time of year.
Officer top tips for managing your Exam and Assessment period
Ilia’s top tips:
Stay in touch: Remember not to isolate yourself during this period. Keep in touch with your friends and family and always reach out for help if you need it.
Stay hydrated: It's easy to forget to stay hydrated when you become focused on exam preparation. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Doris’ top tips:
Sleep well: Make sure to catch enough Zzzs. It’s easier said than done but having a consistent sleep routine helps keep your mind sharp and reduce stress! Try to avoid all-nighters.
Take regular breaks: Don't burn out! It's okay to take short breaks during study sessions. Techniques like the Pomodoro method can help you take regular breaks and improve focus.
Osasu’s top tips:
Prioritise self-care: Remember to do things you enjoy to balance the pressure of exams. This could be hobbies, sports, seeing friends, or just relaxing!
Past papers and mock tests: Practice with past exam papers or mock tests to familiarise yourself with the format and time constraints.
Favour’s top tips:
Ensure adequate prep time: Always ensure that there is adequate time to prepare for exams. This will allow you to work at your own pace, reduce pressure, and increase your confidence.
Positive visualisation: Positive visualisation is a powerful technique that involves intentionally creating a mental image of a desired future outcome. Envision yourself succeeding and having a good exam experience. This can lessen anxiety and boost confidence.
What support is available?
We understand that things can sometimes go wrong with your course or exams – if they do, don’t panic. There are many options for support you can seek when it comes to exams and assessments.
In the first instance, you can seek help and support from your Personal Academic Tutor, Student Support & Guidance Tutor (SSGT). You can also read our Academic Self Help and FAQs.
Our brilliant support team is available to provide advice to all students. To book an online appointment with one of our team, please go to this page.
Know about Academic Misconduct and Additional Considerations
Everyone makes mistakes, but we’re here to help you through them so that they don’t turn into academic misconduct. Academic Misconduct can relate to both coursework and exams, whether written, oral or practical, it can be committed intentionally or accidentally. To find out more about academic misconduct, how to avoid it and how to seek support go to this page.
It is also important to be aware of the additional considerations process before submitting a request. If you experience exceptional circumstances which result in the following you can submit a request for Additional Consideration:
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non-submission (you didn't submit)
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late submission (you missed the submission deadline)
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unrepresentative performance (you did not perform as expected)
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or failure of an assessment
To find out more, take a look at our new video series that provides in-depth information about the additional considerations process.
Supplies during the Exam and Assessment period
Sometimes a little pick-me-up is what you need to get through an exam! Keep an eye out for our Officer team and BSU staff who will be handing out supplies across all campuses during the exam/assessment period. These supplies will include water, snacks and stationery.
Come and talk to us!
Our Officer team all know what it’s like to go through the challenging periods of exams and assessments. They are always around on campus if you want to hear more about their top tips, or just to see a friendly face!
We wish you the best of luck!