Preparing for exams

Studying for exams

Preparation is the key to a successful exam period, so make sure you’ve got your dates and times locked in, then plan your study based on that information.

As for the best ways to study for exams, UON’s Academic Learning Support has some handy pointers:

Memory aids

The University of Newcastle has an open book policy for exams. Except for some exemptions, the memory aid is the minimum allowed for exams, but some courses will allow  for more than the memory aid. Always check your course outlines so that you know exactly what you can bring into each exam.

Unless stated otherwise, a memory aid is 1 x A4 double-sided sheet of any type of notes, handwritten or otherwise. It can be on coloured paper and can contain diagrams.

At the end of your exam, your memory aid must be submitted along with your completed materials and will not be returned.

What to bring

First and foremost, you need to bring photo identification (student ID card, driver's licence or passport) to all exams. If you do not bring suitable ID, you will have your photo taken and you will have 48 business hours to present your photo identification to one of our Student Central locations.

You can also bring:

  • pens or pencils
  • erasers
  • a clear water bottle
  • tissues
  • calculators can be used as long as they are approved by the course coordinator

For your own personal comfort, it’s a good idea to wear layers of clothes that you can put on or remove to ensure you don’t get too hot or cold.

Find your exam locations

It is your responsibility to ensure you make it to your exam venue on time – underestimating travel times or just getting lost are not considered Adverse Circumstances.

Don’t leave it to chance – as soon as your exam details are made available on myHub, use campus maps to ensure you know where your exam venues are and how you can get there.

Campus maps page