XClose

UCL News

Home
Menu

5 steps to get you exam-ready

22 March 2018

Relieve some of the stress associated with sitting exams by following these 5 simple steps.

Writing exams

1. Know your venue

This year 90% of UCL exams will take place at ExCeL London, a fantastic venue in London's docklands. A small minority of exams take place on UCL's Bloomsbury campus. The venue for each exam is indicated on your timetable, so make sure you're clear about where you need to be.

If you have special arrangements, your exams will be in Bloomsbury. If you have been assessed after the release of the timetable you will receive an email from the examinations office. Nearer to your exam date please check Portico and your examination venue will be updated.

If your exams are at ExCeL London, follow @ExCeLLondon on Twitter for updates.

2. Plan your journey

Wherever your exams are taking place, take time to plan your journey. Doors to exam halls open 30 minutes before the exam begins, so give yourself enough time to find your seat and gather your thoughts.

If you're not familiar with ExCel London, it's extra important to plan so that you have enough time to prepare. Plan your journey ahead of your exam using the TfL journey planner.

3. Find your seat

You have an assigned seat for every exam. At ExCeL London you will be seated in a colour-coded zone, the same colour zone will also be where you are required to place bags and coats. To find out what zone your exam seat is in, check the examinations website. Please note that there will be no duplication of seat numbers regardless of which colour zone your seat is in. 

4. Take action if things go wrong

If you are less than 30 minutes late for your exam, you will be allowed to sit your exam but you will finish at the same time as everyone else. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you should report to your home department immediately. Please note that it is not guaranteed that your department will be able to accommodate your exam; this is dependent on room and staff availability to invigilate and run the exam. Please allow enough journey time to get to your exam venue.

If you are unwell on the day of your exam or feel your performance in your exam has been affected by circumstances that are outside of your control, you may be eligible to submit a claim for Extenuating Circumstances to be considered by your department.

If you fail or defer your assessments, you might be eligible to take resits as part of the Late Summer Assessment period, 20 August to 7 September 2018.

5. Be informed

Find out everything you need to know about exams at UCL on the exams and assessment web pages for current students. The Exam Success Guide will help you perform to the best of your ability on the day of your exam and get the best possible results. The Examination Guide for Candidates is crammed with useful information, including general regulations and exam offences, dates, locations and start times, items permitted in exams and reference materials, approved means of identification and useful contacts.