Exams are a stressful, yet normal part of university life, and it is normal to feel a little bit anxious in the lead-up. Luckily there are steps you can take to make your exam experience less stressful.
Before your exams, you should find out what topics will be covered in the exam, and what kind of exam you will be sitting. Remember; an open-book exam does not mean you can use the Internet! Usually, it means that you can use paper or locally saved notes only. Carefully read the specific rules for your exam, and if you are unsure, ask your unit coordinator.
In your preparation for your exam do not use websites that may be considered contract cheating E.g., CourseHero, Github, CHEGG. Always check with your tutor about what extra resources you are allowed to use.
Exam logistics:
It is important to know where your exam will be, and how you will get there. Check the date, time, and location of the exam in your exam timetable, which was released on May 1st. You should check if your exam will be in person, or online. For both online and in-person exams, you will need to bring or show a valid form of photo ID.
In-person exams:
After the experience of studying during covid, many students may not have sat an in-person exam before, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with how they work.
Before your in-person exam, you should check: your seat number, if you know how to get to the exam room, what you need to bring into the exam room, what you are not allowed to bring in, and what materials you need to have approved (E.g., a calculator). Read the exam instructions carefully and ask your unit coordinator if you are unsure.
Online exams:
If your exam is online, you should check that you are familiar with how to use ProctorU and that you have tested your camera and audio. Do not wear headphones or a hat during your Proctored exam. Make sure you are logged out of Canvas on all other devices before starting your exam. Make sure any other device you own is not in the same room you are taking the exam. Ensure that you have a quiet place to take your exam, where you will not be interrupted by any other person in the room.
Make note of what kinds of materials you will need, and if they need to be approved beforehand. Make note of whether your exam will be open or closed book.
What if I’m unwell?
If you are unwell or if your performance is impacted by an illness, injury, or misadventure that was unexpected and beyond your control, you can apply for Special Consideration, even if it is a replacement exam. Special Consideration applications must be submitted within three working days of the exam date, and you must provide appropriate supporting documents. See the SRC’s website for more information about Special Consideration.
If you are accused of academic dishonesty, the SRC can help. You can use the contact form on our website, or you can call the office on 9660 5222.
If you are unwell on the date of the exam, or if your performance is impacted by an illness, injury, or misadventure that was unexpected and beyond your control, you can apply for Special Consideration, even if it is a replacement exam. Special Consideration applications must be submitted within three working days of the exam date, and you must provide appropriate supporting documents. See the SRC’s website for more information about Special Consideration.
If you think you have been given an incorrect mark for your exam, you have the right to lodge an appeal. See the SRC’s website for information about appealing a grade.
Sydney University’s exam information
To contact a SRC Caseworker please fill out this form