<< Return to UMAX Advice & Support Home Page

Revision tips

• Before you even start try to identify the best time of day for you to study – for some it’s early in the morning – others will find they can’t concentrate so well until later in the day.

• Don't be too radical. You don't have to give up everything you like, because then you'll be miserable and bored. Find somewhere that’s good for you to work where you won’t get distracted. Stick in your headphones and ignore anyone who approaches, including your friends. Even if you're not actually listening to any music, people will think you are, and leave you be.

• Music? Some people find it helps them study, but if it's starting to distract you, turn it off. Also, just because it hasn't got any singing in it, doesn't necessarily mean it won't distract you. Before you start to properly study, hunt out some music that's quite calming, something you can have as background noise that won't distract you too much.

• Have a big bottle of water/juice and some snack beside you when you start, so you won't be as tempted to go wandering or raiding the kitchen. It’s also more likely to distract you if you feel constantly hungry, so have a sandwich or something first to boost your energy levels.

• Do it in little chunks. If you can't concentrate for more than ten minutes, then spend half an hour procrastinating while still trying to make stuff go into your head, it won't work, so study for as long as you can properly concentrate then stop and sit outside for a bit, take a quick breather, don't think about studying, then go back to it.

Return to top >>

BRAIN FOOD

What we eat and drink influences not only physical performance but mental performance too. If you want to boost concentration in the run up to the exams:

1. Plenty of fruit and veg

Vegetables and fruit provide much-needed minerals, ions, vitamins and are also low in calories, delicious and can give you an energy boost when you are working away at revising, since they contain fructose and healthy sugars your body can convert into energy. Top snacking fruits: apples, bananas, avocados, berries.

2. Have oily fish every week

Salmon, sardines and mackerel are amongst the healthiest types of fish because they contain lots of protein and omega 3, which is essential to keep a functioning brain working well

3. Eggs

Eggs are one of the most versatile foods: Fried, boiled, poached or made sunny-side up, eggs are healthy and good brain food.

4. Peanut butter

Peanut butter contains healthy fats and lots of protein per serving. This means that as a brain food, just a little can keep you full for a long time. Another plus is that peanut butter doesn’t expire very fast, so you can always keep a jar handy in your cupboard, bedroom or wherever you study in case you get hungry.

Some tips:

• Cut down on the ‘bad’ fats in your diet – go easy on the fast food and takeaways
• Have a high carbohydrate, low sugar breakfast to start the day – porridge, noodles, bread or cereal.
• Try to eat regular meals and pack a healthy snack of nuts, apples or carrot sticks to refuel your brain as well as your body.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but go easy on the caffeinated and sugary drinks.

During exam time it’s easy to get into the habit of surviving on takeaways and ready meals and drinking coffee after coffee, but making sure you get a balanced, healthy diet is crucial to you functioning at optimum level.

Return to top >>

You still need to sleep!

If you are tired it’s hard to concentrate and maintain perspective.

If you’re finding it hard to get to sleep, cut down on stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol.

Allow time to unwind before bed. Try to put work aside one hour before you try to go to bed.

Getting regular exercise helps, but not immediately before going to bed.

Things you can do to help you sleep better:

Take a bath before bed
Listen to some music
Switch off computers
Clear bed space of work – create a ‘work free zone’

Return to top >>

Keeping HEALTHY

Getting active is a great stress buster. Even if you’re not sporty or don’t usually do much exercise, a little can make a huge difference to your mood:

Why not try some of our great Campus Sport activities:

From badminton, football and table tenis to touch rugby, netball and basketball (plus more!) Have a look at the Campus Sport pages on the Website for up to date information: http://www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk/sport/IMS/

Pool & Table Tennis
There is also the option of playing pool and table tennis within both Cyncoed and Llandaff campus centres. These are open and available to play on throughout the day.

Return to top >>

Exam Regulations

How to conduct yourself during an exam is important. There is a strict set of rules that all students are required to abide to. This is to ensure that all students are subject to the same conditions and no misconduct is taking place.

CHANGES TO NOTE!

1. You are not permitted to take bags into exam venues

2. All i-watches and digital devices are to be placed in a clear zip lock bag that will be provided on your desk.

More information regarding exam conduct and regulations can be found here: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/registry/exams/Pages/Examinations.aspx

Return to top >>

STUDY LOCATIONS

There are two University libraries which include silent study areas:

Term time opening times

Cyncoed:
Monday – Thursday 8.45am – 9.00pm
Friday 8.45am – 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday; 12.00pm – 5.00p

Llandaff:
Monday – Thursday 8.45am – 9.00pm
Friday 8.45am – 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday 12.00pm – 5.00pm

IT Helpdesk:
Monday – Thursday 8.00am – 9.00pm
Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday 12.00pm – 5.00pm
Tel; 029 2041 7000

Return to top >>

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Exam stress affects different people in different ways. Whilst the adrenalin and pressure can have a positive effect on some, others find themselves overwhelmed with anxiety.

It’s probably not possible to completely eliminate stress but some of the pressure can definitely be alleviated. If stress gets the better of you then exam performance, happiness and your health can suffer.

High levels of stress can cause an excessive production of adrenaline resulting in headaches, racing heart, fatigue, irritability and sleeping problems.

Return to top >>

Sometimes things don’t always go to plan, but there are always options

I had an exam today but have been ill and have now missed the exam – what shall I do?

In the first instance you should report the matter to your School. They will issue you with a Mitigating Circumstances form that will need to be filled out by you as soon as possible. You will need to show evidence of your mitigating circumstances. For instance, if you have missed an exam for medical reasons, a doctor’s note or similar must be obtained. This proof must be submitted to the School along with your Mitigating Circumstances Form.

You can download the form here: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/mitcircs

Contact the Students’ Union if you need guidance in completing and submitting the form.

• Your School will let you know whether you need to take the exam again, and if so when that will be.

I’ve missed an exam because I turned up late/went to the wrong place

• Try to arrive at your exam setting with plenty of time before the start; you won’t be allowed to enter the exam if you arrive 30 minutes late
• If the exam has finished you need to contact your tutor to report your absence. You may need to submit a Mitigating Circumstances form explaining why you missed the exam
• Your School will let you know whether you need to take the exam again, and if so when that will be.

I had to leave the exam early because I was ill

• If you feel ill during an exam you should tell an invigilator. Put your hand up to get their attention. An invigilator should accompany you out of the exam venue.
• You might feel able to continue with the exam after a short break.
• If you don’t feel able to continue with the exam the invigilator will report your situation to the Exam Board. You should see your doctor as soon as possible.
• The invigilator’s report will be considered by the Exam Board. We recommend that you also submit a Mitigating Circumstances form explaining why you were unable to complete the exam
• Your School will let you know whether you need to take the exam again, and if so when that will be.

I’ve been accused of unfair practice in an exam

• If you are caught with unauthorised notes/material during an exam you are likely to face disciplinary action for use of unfair means in an examination.
• If you are accused of unfair practice in an exam and need further advice please contact the Students’ Union.

My mind went blank! I know I will have failed

• Don’t panic – it is really hard to know how well you have done until your results have been published. Avoid over-analysing your performance after each exam – but do ask your tutors for feedback when you have your results so that you can learn from your mistakes and build on your successes
• When you get your results you should be told if you have the option of re-sitting any failed exams
• For more information on re-sits refer to your Programme handbook and contact the Students’ Union if you need assistance.

I’m not happy with my results!

If you are unhappy with a result, talking to your tutor can be useful. Feedback may help you understand and accept the decision. If you still disagree, you can submit an Academic Appeal asking for the result to be looked at again.

Important points to remember:
• You are entitled to appeal if you think there has been procedural error by the examiners (for example the exam paper contained mistakes) or if you want new evidence of personal circumstances to be taken into account. You will need to explain why you did not provide that evidence earlier
• Appealing simply because you think your work deserved a better mark will be unsuccessful
• For more information about the appeal process, please contact the Students’ Union.

Help! I’ve failed an exam

Failing an exam doesn’t always mean you’ve failed the year. If you do not pass an assignment, a module or programme, you may, at the discretion of the Exam Board, be allowed to be reassessed or be required to re-take a module –you should refer to your programme handbook.

Disagree with your results?

Whether you are unhappy with the result for one piece of work or your final degree classification, talking to someone in your School can be useful. Feedback may help you understand and accept the decision.

If you feel that the exam wasn’t run correctly, or that the written instructions or advice relating to the exam were not correct and that this has affected your performance, you can submit an appeal: Important points to remember:

• Use the Academic Appeal form
• You must demonstrate valid reasons for appealing
• Thinking you deserved a higher grade/degree is not regarded by the University as a valid reason for academic appeal
• The appeal deadline is 14 days from the date of the relevant Exam Board.
• For more information about the appeal process, please contact the Students’ Union.
Return to top >>

SUPPORT DETAILS

It’s perfectly normal to be a bit anxious, but if it’s causing you serious problems then there are people you can speak to for support. See our contact list below for useful numbers…..