On the run-up to exams, we can get so worked up with revision that we can sometimes forget a few simple, but quite important, practical things about the big day.
If you want to stay one step ahead of the game, watch this video from our exam veterans as they impart that all-important examination-preparation-information into your brain (try saying that fast!). Once you've watched it, scroll down for a recap of the helpful hints to make sure your exam day goes super-smoothly.
Amy: Okay. I've got some expert tips on how to prepare for exam day.
Daachi: Yes, please.
Amiga: It's so easy to panic on the first day of exams.
Dylan: I feel you. Here's an expert tip to help you stay grounded. Check all of your exam details and arrive in good time.
Amy: It's so important to check your list of exams the day before. Make sure you know where you're going and what time. Give yourself enough time to get ready and get prepared.
Amiga: Arrive as early as you can. Some schools will want you there at least an hour before the exam. Look over your notes one last time or just relax.
Dylan: This really speaks to me. There was this one time before my chemistry exam. My school bus didn't turn up, so I couldn't get to school, so I had to get a taxi. Luckily, I was there just before the exam started. It's always important to have a plan B.
Amiga: There's a couple of tips I can give you about feeling prepared before the exams.
Dylan: Yes, please.
Amiga: So I would say get in a good night's sleep. Definitely eat breakfast. It's really important to stay hydrated and you are allowed to take your water bottles in the exam room. However, make sure it's in a clear bottle. No labels, no labels.
Amy: Okay. Next tip.
Daachi: Have the right equipment with you in a clear pencil case.
Amy: I love my clear pencil case. I have pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers, even a protractor, maths equipment, sometimes a calculator too, and there's pen one, pen two to pencil three, pencil four.
Daachi: You've gotta have spares with you, they're like your team.
Amy: Definitely.
Amiga: Be extra careful with subjects like maths and science. Do you need extra stuff like a calculator? I almost forgot things so many times. There was this one time, it was a GCSE exam and I didn't have a clear pencil case. It was a blue one and I had to take everything out so quickly. And then I remember forgetting my ruler. I remember forgetting a special pen that I always have with me, it was like a lucky pen and I felt a bit frustrated and a bit clouded. So now I have a ticklist. I list everything I need and check it the night before.
Dylan:* I don't even take my pencil case out my bag. I just leave it in there and look in the morning.
Amy: Another key essential for me is a highlighter pen. You've gotta love them. They help highlight the key words keep you on track and they're colourful.
Daachi: I love a bit of neon.
Amiga: Okay, Last tip.
Dylan: Relax and go in with a positive mindset.
Amiga: It's easier said than done, but try not to stress because at the end of the day, exam results don't define you.
Amy: Don't overthink it. Have a laugh and a joke with your friends and family before and be in a good mood if you can be. All those extra endorphins won't hurt.
Amiga: So one of my favorite techniques is the breathing exercise where you focus on your breathing, and then that should help you when it comes to your exams. So if you just close your eyes, clear your mind, and then just breathe in and out. And in and out. And in. And out. And one last one in. And how do you feel?
Dylan: Quite calm. You have quite a calming voice.
Daachi: So know where you're going, take everything you need, and do whatever you can to stay positive.
Top tips for exam day
Here are our top three tips to make sure your exam day is as smooth as your favourite refreshing mango and pineapple smoothie… mmm mango…
- The early bird catches the… bus?? Remember, you may need to arrive an hour before your exam starts, but check with your teachers as every school has different rules. If you do arrive super-early, you might find it useful to do a bit of last-minute revision, or, you may prefer to take the time to chill-out and get yourself into the exam-zone.
- Have spares… and spares of spares Have a couple of spare pens and pencils for each exam and make sure you keep everything in a clear pencil case. We recommend making a tick list that you can check before you pack your bag. Double-check with your teachers if you need anything specific for the exam, like a calculator.
- Relax – stressing won't help anybody It's easy for us to say – we're not doing our exams, but please try and stay as calm as you can. Remember, exam results don't define you. Try to relax, have a laugh with your friends, and go in to your exam with a positive mindset.
If you want some more useful exam tips and guidance, then we've got loads of amazing advice to help guide you through exam season on the pages below, what are you waiting for? Give them a tap!
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
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