Useful guide for on campus examinations

With January exams just around the corner we have put together a useful guide on the key things you need to know, and how to prepare for exams over the winter break.

1. Get prepared

From checking your timetable to confirming your seat number, behaviour during examinations and understanding academic integrity, preparing for exams can be stress-free with the right strategies. Start by organising your study materials and creating a realistic study schedule. Take regular breaks to stay refreshed and prioritise sleep and healthy eating to keep your mind sharp. Don’t forget to review past papers or sample questions to get familiar with the exam format. Finally, stay positive and remind yourself of your hard work and progress!

2. Housekeeping before your exams

Avoiding exam stress means getting organised in enough time! Make sure you:

Check your personal timetable to confirm your seat number and time/location. All examinations venues can be found via (Campus Maps and Exam Venues webpage).
Bring your Warwick ID Card, a clear pencil case, a clear/non-labelled water bottle.
Bring a clear plastic bag (one of those you normally use for your sandwiches!). This will be used to store valuable items in and to be placed under your chair in the exam venue. Be reminded, the University is no longer responsible for providing plastic bags during in-person examination and the designated bag storage area is unsupervised.
Any other permitted items:

Approved calculators, where exam papers permit calculator use only. For more information, please contact your academic department.

Considerate Marking Coversheet (if provided and approved by Wellbeing Services) to be placed on the exam desk and to be attached to the answer booklet at the end of the examination by an exam invigilator.

Any Information regarding bag storage and permitted items can be found via the Permitted Items and Bag Storage webpage.

3. Behaviour during your in-person examinations.

All examination venues are silent zones and you are required to remain silent at all times. In addition, remember:

Multiple exams mean multiple finishing times – please show respect to your fellow students and leave in silence.
Some examinations may have reading time. Students without reading time must wait outside the examination hall, in silence, until an invigilator opens the doors and allows you to enter.
Only sit in your allocated seat as reported on your personal timetable. Failing to do so could result in students sitting the wrong paper, or incorrectly marked as absent or one student’s marks incorrectly being awarded to another student.
You’re not allowed to leave the exam in the first 30 minutes or last 15 minutes. You will not be permitted to leave the exam hall within these time periods. If you need the toilet, you will need to wait until after the first 30 minutes.

4. Understanding Academic Integrity Regulations during your exams

Academic integrity means committing to honesty in academic work, giving credit where we've used others' ideas and being proud of our own achievements.

Maintaining academic integrity is essential for your success. Following exam regulations helps ensure fairness and builds trust in your achievements. If you accidentally bring unauthorised materials or face a situation that raises concerns, you will be ask to explain the circumstances by completing a Student Incident Report after the exam. Examples of Academic Integrity Breaches include:

Writing in your answer booklet during reading time
Start writing before the exam starts

Continuing to write after the exam has ended

Unauthorised materials (revision notes, books etc)
Use of Electronic/ Smart devices
Talking or communicating with other students during the exam

5. We are here to support you

If you’re feeling anxious in the lead up to exams and assessments, our Wellbeing and Student Support team offer a range of self-help resources and the opportunity to speak to an advisor (online or in-person).

If you have any questions about exams procedures and regulations, do not hesitate to email us on aoeaxams@warwick.ac.uk

Good luck with your exams!