What are the most important things to remember the night before an exam?

Classmates gather ahead of their exams

Taking exams is a difficult and stressful time for all of us – no matter what some of your friends might say. So what can you do the night before your exams?


  • don’t skip meals - food is fuel for the brain, so make sure you get enough of it
  • don’t overdo the last minute cramming
  • get some sleep, so you’re not tired for the big day
  • get some fresh air and exercise

What should I do on the morning of the exam?

  • eat breakfast – it’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach
  • give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam

Once in the exam room

  • read all the instructions carefully, and make sure that you understand the question before you start to answer it
  • write a plan first for essay questions to help make sure you don’t miss anything out and don’t spend too long on any one question – although it makes sense to spend longer on a question with 20 marks than one with only two

Life after exams

Keep things in perspective when you’re waiting for your exam grades - it’s great if you do get the grades you want, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. You can always retake them next year or later in your career.

Think positive! If you believe you’re going to succeed, you probably will.