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Your first uni exam: it’s a rite of passage, like spilling coffee on your notes or cramming at 2 a.m. It can feel like a lot, but don’t stress - we’ve all been there. Here’s your guide to surviving (and maybe even smashing) your first exams at uni.

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🗓️ Before the Exam: Preparation Mode

1. Know the Basics

• What: Is it a multiple-choice quiz, a written exam, or a mix of both? Check the format in your subject guide.
• When & Where: Double-check the date, time, and room location - some exams are off-campus! Use my.unimelb to confirm.
• What to Bring:
  • Student ID (this is non-negotiable).
  • Approved stationery or calculators.
  • Water (clear bottle, no label).
  • Any “permitted materials” like notes (check your subject rules).

Pro tip: Plan to rock up about 30 minutes early. You never know what might happen on the way to the exam (public transport delays, I’m looking at you 👀)! Nothing screams panic like sprinting into the Royal Exhibition Building.

2. Study Smart, Not Hard (but also study hard!)

Let’s avoid any last-minute meltdowns, shall we?

• Make a Game Plan: Break down topics by priority and tackle the scary stuff first. Use tools like Notion (😉) or good old-fashioned checklists.
• Use Past Papers: If available, they’re gold. Check your subject LMS page or ask your lecturer.
• Find Your Study Style: Flashcards, group study sessions, mind maps - whatever works for you.
  • 📱 Try apps like Anki or Quizlet for flashcards.
  • 🎧 Need focus vibes? Hit up Lofi Girl or the Uni library’s silent zones.
• Don’t Overdo It: Take regular breaks - 25 minutes of study, 5 minutes of TikTok (or stretching) is science-backed magic.

3. Sort Out Your Life

• Sleep: Pulling an all-nighter won’t help if your brain forgets how to brain. Aim for at least 7 hours.
• Eat Right: Fuel up with brain food - think whole grains, nuts, and fruit. Maybe one coffee, not five.
• Pack the Night Before: Save yourself morning panic. Lay out everything - ID, pens, snacks.

Pro tip: Avoid cramming the morning of your exam. You’ll only psych yourself out.

🏫 During the Exam: Show Time

1. Take a Deep Breath

Sit down, close your eyes, and breathe. You’ve got this.

2. Read the Instructions

Yes, all of them. Don’t lose marks because you missed the fine print.

3. Plan Your Time

• Look at how many questions there are and how long you have. Allocate your time wisely.
• If you get stuck: Skip it, move on, and come back later.

4. Answer Strategically

• Multiple Choice: Eliminate obvious wrong answers and take your best guess. No negative marking = no blank answers!
• Short Answers: Be concise but clear. Use keywords from lectures.
• Essays: Spend a couple of minutes planning. A clear structure (intro, body, conclusion) makes a huge difference.

Pro tip: Don’t panic if people finish early. Focus on your own exam.

🍃 After the Exam: Decompress

1. Breathe Again

It’s over. You did it. Give yourself a moment to celebrate.

2. Don’t Post-Mortem Too Hard

Avoid the “what did you write for question 3?” spiral with your friends. You’ll only stress yourself out.

3. Treat Yourself

Get a coffee, binge your comfort show, or nap for three hours - you’ve earned it.

Remember: It’s one exam. Whether you smashed it or stumbled, it’s a learning experience.

🔗 Useful Links & Resources

• Exam Timetable: Find where and when you’re sitting your exams. Also, try to remember your seat number!
• Exam Rules & Procedures: What you can/can’t bring in. For on-campus written exams (the most common type of exam), these are the rules (click the triangle to toggle the list):
• Study Hubs & Library Spaces: Silent spaces, group study rooms, and late-night zones.
• Academic Skills Resources: For tips on study strategies, exam techniques, and managing stress.

🎓 Final Wisdom

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember:

• Uni exams are not the end of the world.
• Everyone’s nervous - even the overachiever in the front row.
• Learn from each exam and keep improving.

You’ve got this, baby scholar! Now go in there and show them what you’ve learned (or at least what you managed to cram the night before).

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Got any exam-taking tips? Submit them here to help future Narrm Scholars. Sharing is caring — and potentially life-saving for someone’s WAM!

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