We understand that working towards exams or coursework deadlines can feel overwhelming, stressful and perhaps make you feel under pressure. If you are experiencing any of these emotions, you are not alone. In fact, Student Space has found reports which estimate around 40% of students experience exam anxiety. So, how can you best navigate this time to help reduce your stress and perform to your best?

We have put together some articles that we hope you will find useful, including practical advice, top tips and resources to help you during the leadup to your exams. 

Not sure when your exam is? Find the University’s exam timetable here.

Our guide to a successful exam/coursework submission day.. 

• How to best prepare yourself for you exam day!
• Make sure you know what exam offences mean (and how to avoid them!)
• Using AI for academic work - is it ok? Find out more here.

Read some of our exam 'top tips' articles: 

• Tips for getting ready for your exams
• Tips for keeping calm during your exams 
• Tips to improve your study habits
• Tips to help you improve your sleep

Check out Student Space (Student Minds):

Student Space provides free support for students, including practical exam and study support, mental health, relationships and more. They exist to support students 24/7 through their university journey. Check out their resources when it comes to preparing for assessments and navigating the exam day, as well as advice from peers. 

• Exam stress resources
• Advice from students – blogs

You can connect with Student Minds on social media:

• Instagram: @StudentMindsOrg
• Tik Tok: @StudentsMindOrg

Information you should know ahead of your exams…

From timetables and regulations to the help and support available to you, you'll find all the information you need for a successful exams period on the University of Plymouth webpage here. 

Please remember that it's your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of all of the information in these web pages before you sit your exams.

• Explore the various on and off campus venues the University uses for exams.
• Find out about arriving at your exam, what happens if you are late, information about seating plans, plus what happens at the end of your exam.
• Important information you'll need to know about our policies, rules and regulations during your exams.
• The University has created a DLE Module, which all students can sign into for revision support.

Extenuating circumstances, fit-to-sit, and making appeals…

If you are preparing to take your exams or completing coursework, make sure you familiarise yourself with the new extenuating circumstances (EC) policies just in case you need to submit an EC form for any unforeseen circumstances. 

You should also make sure you understand what ‘fit-to-sit’ your exams means ahead your examinations, and how to declare if you are not fit-to-sit. 

If you are sitting your exams but feel you need extra support, you can read about the University’s regulations, including modified assessments, here.

Once assessments are over and you receive your results, we hope that you will be pleased with the outcome; however, if you feel there has been a mistake, you may wish to make an appeal. You can read more about how to make an appeal and support available for your SU Advice here.

If you need advice, get in touch!

Our SU Advice webpage includes a ‘academic’ section with more information on Appeals, Complaints, Your consumer rights, Extenuating Circumstances, Fitness to Practice, Interrupting Studies and more. 

Get in touch by emailing advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk, by calling us on 01752 588373 (and leaving a voicemail if we cannot get to the phone), or by completing the online enquiry form here.