On the day of your exam

Review your on-the-day exam checklist, including what to wear, bring and expect, and what to do if things don't go to plan.

Pre-exam checklist

It is important to keep your energy levels up, especially if you have long exams, so ensure you have had a meal and are hydrated before heading to your exam.

Check your timetable

Always double-check your Personal Exam Timetable on the day of any exams in case of last-minute changes.

Pack your bag

You will need:

• NTU Student Card,
• Stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, sharpener),
• Clear bottle of water – remove labels from shop-bought bottles,
• Materials permitted for your exam, e.g. calculator, statute books.

You must not bring:

• Food or drink other than water (unless included on your access statement),
• Earphones or headphones,
• Electronic devices, e.g. tablets, laptops.

Please see the Examination Code of Conduct for full guidance on what to bring to your exam.

What to wear

Exams take place at various times throughout the year, and room temperatures vary from venue to venue. We recommend you wear removable layers so you can adjust to the room’s temperature. Air conditioning may make rooms much cooler in the summer months, and heating can make rooms warmer in the autumn/winter months, so make sure you are going to be comfortable in the clothes you bring.

If you need to take clothing layers off during an examination, items can be placed underneath your desk.

When to arrive

We advise you to arrive at least 20 minutes before your exam start time to allow the invigilators enough time to call you in and deliver the instructions for your exam. Read our guidance on being late to your exam.

You are under exam conditions when you enter the exam room. Full instructions will be given by the invigilator before the start of the exam. This includes where to put your belongings, whether you are allowed reading time, when to start and stop writing, and where to sit if there are multiple papers in one room, so listen carefully to ensure you don’t miss important information relating to your exam paper.

You will need to fill in the attendance slip and place it next to your student ID card on top of the desk.

During your exam

If you need anything during the exam (e.g. extra paper or a toilet break), you must raise your hand and wait for an invigilator. Students are not permitted to leave the exam room until 45 minutes have elapsed, and invigilators must feel confident that you have no unauthorised materials or equipment in your possession before you enter the cubicle, so you may be asked to empty your pockets first.

Finding your exam

If you’re travelling from outside of Nottingham or to a different campus than your usual timetabled learning, you can find maps and directions to all our campuses on the website.

Find maps and directions to our campuses

What if it doesn't go to plan?

What if I'm late for my exam?

You have up to 30 minutes after the exam start time to attend your exam; however, you will not receive the missed time back.

If you arrive after 30 minutes, then you will not be allowed to sit the exam and will be advised to contact your School office to discuss your options.

Appeals and consideration of personal circumstances

You can’t ask for an extension for exams, class tests or other assessments that take place in person; however, if your personal circumstances impact one of these types of assessments, you can request a delay until the next time the assessment takes place.

Or if you are unsatisfied with you exam result, you can find information about academic appeals here: Submit an Academic Appeal.