• Check your university’s formal exam requirements. In some universities you will have to register for your exams within a fixed deadline.

• Check how your courses are organized. This may vary from course to course.

• Check which type of exam(s) you are going to have. University offers different types of exams, and it may be important to know which kind of exam you are going to have when studying for your exam, as different types of examination need different revision methods.

• Check how many exams you are going to have in the current semester. Make yourself a reading plan and stick to it (remember to include breaks).

• Check the rules/regulations/instructions for your exam(s). In some types of exams, you are allowed to bring your personal notes, course literature or other material. It is also sometimes expected that you bring your own personal computer and/or calculator for the exam.

• Use previous exam questions when revising for your exam(s). In this way you will get used to the structure, the layout, and the language they use. It is also an efficient way to work on your time management – you will get an idea of how much time you have for each question.

• You may want to revise on your own, but for many students it is more efficient to work in groups/colloquiums. Just make sure that the group is focused on the subject 😊

• Learn tricks from the top students. Do they have a different study strategy than you have?

• Start studying for your exams early. Some students believe that they can start reading the course literature when the exam text is handed out, but that will be too late!

• Take breaks while you read. No one manages to be super-efficient all day long.

• Avoid stress: remember to check the location for your exam and how to get to the location. Also, check when the exam starts and in which room it should be held.

• Prepare items you will bring with you for the exam, such as water, food (if you are allowed), a watch, more than one pencil, a sharpener, an eraser, a ruler, PC (check if it is expected. If it is – remember to bring your own power supply as well), calculator (check if it is expected and if it has enough battery), other permitted examination support material…..and don’t forget to check if there is anything special you need to bring, such as your student card/ID and candidate number!

• Eat healthy, get some fresh air and sleep well.

For digital examinations:

• Make sure you have an active use account and have installed the necessary software and programs on your computer.

• Get up early and eat a healthy breakfast.

• Ensure you arrive the exam venue at least 15 minutes before the start of an examination.

• Remember to bring the items you will need for the exam. Mobile phones or other digital aids (smartwatch etc.) are often not allowed and needs to be turned off and put away.

• Spend time reading through the exam text. Plan your time and stick to your plan. Be sure to review the question one more time before you start answering.

• Remember that you are supposed to show that you can use what you have learned, and not just recount the material.

• Use your time – it may be worthwhile to read through everything before you deliver.

• Don’t panic if you get ill/sick – you will get a second chance. This is usually also the case if you fail the exam or if you must withdraw….

• Remember that it’s perfectly normal to be nervous. But the more informed and prepared you are, the better you’ll be able to cope with the stress of the exam. 😊