Find out how to prepare for on campus exams, as well as the support available to help you achieve your academic goals.

The Semester 2 May exam timetable is now available. You can view this:

Make a note of the date and location of your assessment. It is important that you are available as these are formally set and cannot be changed.

Top tip: It is worth rechecking your timetable via your Individual Student Timetable nearer the time for any updates and to make sure you know when and where you need to be.

Before the exam

By being prepared you can feel more confident and be sure to perform your best. And the more you know what to expect beforehand the more prepared you will be.

Check the exam timetable and make sure you know the:

  • Day and date of your exam
  • The exam start time
  • The exam room. This will be a location on campus
  • Whether you are able to bring any additional materials or equipment into the exam with you.

And remember there’s a range of support available to help you reach your academic potential, whether that’s meeting with someone to discuss your work or accessing online resources. From speaking to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) to exploring the Learning Skills Hub and using Your Digital Library to accessing a range of productivity tools.

Plus, there are also plenty of opportunities to take a break from your studies to help you unwind including regular events and StressLess activities.

Adjustments for assessments

There are lots of reasons why you may be entitled to have adjustments made for your exams. - illness, dyslexia, disability, English not your first language and many more.

If you have a Learning Support Plan, your adjustment requirements will have been identified and organised.

If you do not have a Learning Support Plan in place you need to apply for assessment adjustments by registering with the Disability Team as soon as you can. The more notice you give the more you can be confident that the adjustments can be put in place in time.

On the day of the exam

Arriving

Make sure you leave plenty of time to travel to campus and aim to arrive outside your exam room at least 15 minutes before it starts. Remember if you are late you won’t be given any extra time.

This will leave you time to go to the toilet beforehand and settle down.

What to bring:

  • Your Smartcard (Student ID). 
  • Stationery (e.g. pens and pencils) - a small, transparent pencil case is okay.
  • Clear bottle of water to keep you hydrated. No fizzy drinks or hot drinks will be permitted.
  • You may wish to wear several layers of clothing so that you can adapt to the temperature in the venue.

What not to bring

  • Mobile phones, smart watches etc are not allowed with you in the exam room. Try to leave them at home or you will be asked to leave them in your bag and accept this risk. All devices must be switched off or set to a silent mode without any vibration noises in case the noise can be heard in the exam room.
  • You can’t take bags, coats etc to your desk so they will be left at your own risk. Leave whatever you can at home.
  • You can't bring any food into the exam room or eat during your exam. 

Entering the exam room

You will be called into the room by the Invigilator approximately five minutes before the exam is due to start.

  • You will not be allowed to leave during the first or last hour of the exam.
  • Once you enter the exam room, you must remain silent and may not communicate with anyone except the Invigilators.
  • When you enter the exam room, you must place any bags, coats, turned-off mobile phones or any other communication device as directed by the Invigilator. You may not take these to your desk.
  • Sit at the desk with your name on it.

Once at your desk

  • Place your Smartcard with the photo facing up on the corner of your desk. It must remain on the desk in full view for all the exam.
  • Before the exam starts, you may read the front cover of your exam (the Exam Instruction Sheet). However, you must not read the questions or start writing until the Invigilator announces the start of the exam.

During the exam

The Invigilator will announce the start of the exam and will tell you when you have five minutes left.

  • You are expected to work in a way that does not disrupt any other student.
  • If you need to leave the room, or have a question relating to your materials, raise your hand and wait to speak to an Invigilator.
  • You may not leave and return to the room during an exam, unless supervised by an Invigilator while absent.

At the end of the exam

The Invigilator will announce the end of the exam.

  • Make sure that on each answer book you write your candidate number, module code, and any other details required.
  • You must not communicate with anyone, or leave until all exam papers are collected by an Invigilator and you are told you may leave.
  • Don't take any of the stationery off your desk at the end of the exam, including your notes.
  • If your attempt has not been collected, or you need to leave early, please bring this to the attention of the Invigilator by raising your hand.

For the full Procedures for Formal Examinations click here

It is important you follow the rules so you do not mistakenly look like you might be cheating!

Combating exam nerves

It's completely normal to feel nervous and anxious before an exam.

Try to remember:

  • keep things in perspective: the exam might seem like the most important thing in your life at the time, but in the broader scheme of things, it's only a very small part.
  • don't compare yourself to others: aspiring to someone else’s goals may be unrealistic and lead to disappointment. Simply aim to do your best.

There are a range of things you can do if you are feeling anxious:

  • Take our online module to help you manage anxiety around exams: understanding anxiety and recognising your own feelings and what prompts them will help you consider ways in which to approach your assessments. This Learning Skills Hub online module will help you think through ways to manage your anxiety and perform your best. 

  • Try the Spectrum.Life self-guided meditations: these meditation can help you reduce stress, manage anxiety and improve performance  - perfect to try the night before or just before an exam. Register now to the Spectrum.Life platform and mobile app by using your Canterbury Christ Church email address.

  • Speak to the Student Wellbeing Team: if it feels as if your anxiety is beginning to go beyond what might usually be expected in these situations, then please seek help as soon as possible by making contact with the Student Wellbeing Team

    For further information

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