Surviving your exams

Friday 02-05-2014 - 10:57
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University exams begin 6 May 2014. Your exam session timetables have been emailed to you from the University. 

We know you’ll be fine, but we wanted to share some of our top tips for coping with exams, from our experience.

From the sabbatical officers:

“Time is money. Practice as many past exam papers as possible. I normally keep studying till the last minute and if you’re like me, be sure to pace yourselves and get enough rest and sleep. Don’t take too much stress. Know how and when you work best. Don't be lazy, but don’t wallop yourself with guilt for sleeping through an alarm. If you work better in a group, mobilise the troops early. Likewise, if you're a lone wolf, stick to it.

Food is your friend and can boost your exam performance. With less boozing, you can afford to pour more money into your fridge. Stock it with plenty of vegetables, meat and fish – and get some nice complex carbs like brown rice or bread. No harm in the odd motivational chocolate bar or redbull either. It's all in aid of revision, right?”  Mishal Saeed, Union President

“Don’t forget to relax and have a beer during the exam period guys.” Alex Thorp, Vice President Science & Technology

“Drink loads of water, get enough sleep, revise in advance / give yourself enough time to revise, organise your study space, practice old exam papers if you can, take regular breaks and have loads of brain food!" Jasmine Pokuaa, Vice President Health & Social Care 

“When studying for exams remember to plan your time well in advance and take regular breaks to refresh your mind. When I revise I make sure that the music I have on in the background is very unobtrusive." Todd Hewitt, Vice President Arts & Social Sciences

General advice from us to you

  • Hit the library - The Library at Clifford Whitworth is open for study and revision 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can view all the Library opening times here.
  • Double check your timetable – Read your timetable carefully.
  • Set your alarm! – Don’t accidently sleep through a morning exam.
  • Phones off – Check your phone, avoid trouble.
  • Know the rules, and follow them – We can support and advise if you find yourself facing academic misconduct, but try avoiding trouble in the first instance. Read the University’s rules.
  • Sick on exam day? - If you miss an exam because of illness or an emergency, contact your School Office immediately. They will advise you of your options.
  • Give yourself time – Find out where the exam room is if you haven’t been there before. Make sure you have plenty of time to manage transport delays, parking, missing socks, etc.
  • Inky goodness – Take enough stationary and spares for your sessions. Spare pens can be bought on campus at a very cheap price.
  • Stock up – You can get great student deals on bottled water, energy drink, fruit and brain foods from our Union shops.
  • Word from Mum - Are you warm/cool enough?Have you eaten, drank and gone to the loo before your exam?

About our Advice Centre

Our specialist advisors in our Advice Centre can help with academic support, during what can be a stressful time.

Our Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, except on Fridays when we close at 12:30pm.

We have an open door policy, but encourage you to make an appointment to avoid waiting. We aim to respond to all emails within 48 hours during the working week.

Phone 0161 351 5400 to make an appointment, or email us advicecentre-ussu@salford.ac.uk.

Other support

The University’s Student Life Wellbeing service offers counselling and referral services for students who may be struggling with emotional elements of the exam and revision period.

Their Healthy Lifestyles Team is also offering healthy lifestyles support sessions during exams with free fruit, fitness vouchers and massages to help you to relax.

Healthy Lifestyle sessions:

  • Wednesday 7 May, 11.30am-1.30pm, Clifford Whitworth Library
  • Wednesday 14 May, 11.30am-1.30pm, Clifford Whitworth Library

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