Preparation Immediately Prior to the Exam

The night before

• Check your exam time, room number and seat allocation.


• Study until dinnertime. Sit down to a good meal, but don't drink any alcohol - it might relax you but it also impairs short-term memory.


• After dinner, just read over your summaries. Minimise TV, the internet, computer games and prolonged conversations. Instead, relax and enjoy the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.

Before leaving home

• Try to eat a good breakfast high in carbohydrate (your brain needs glucose to work). Fruit or juice with cereal or toast is ideal. Have fruit and a sandwich for lunch before an afternoon exam (note that eating food high in fat can make you sleepy). Try not to consume too much caffeine. One cup of coffee will act as a stimulant, more than that will cause dehydration, which decreases concentration.


• Allow at least one hour to read over your summaries and practise any rote learning.


• Consider leaving an hour earlier than usual, in case of transport delays.


• Wear a watch to monitor time during the exam.


• Ensure you pack plenty of pens/pencils, an eraser, tissues, water bottle and any other material you are allowed to bring.


• Take your student card to be able to identify yourself.

Before you enter the exam

• Read the summaries of your summaries before you go in to the exam room to help focus your thoughts.


• Stay away from other people before the exam as they could distract you or make you nervous.