For most students, university is full of firsts such as living in halls, trying new societies, and cooking meals more complicated than jam on toast. But you might not have considered another first – facing your inaugural online University exams. 

In my first semester, a wise lecturer said, ‘Online exams are like marathons—except instead of running, you’re sitting, overthinking, and Googling how to stay awake for 24 hours.’ Truer words have never been spoken. Two years later, after plenty of trial and (let’s be honest) error, I’ve put together a list of Do’s and Don’ts for online exams that I wish I’d known back then. 

Do #1: Do plan beforehand 

Start by preparing a good revision spot, whether it’s a comforting bedroom at home or one of the university’s bookable study spaces. Once you’ve nailed the location, make sure the Wi-Fi is up to the task; the last thing you want is it cutting out while you’re debating whether Arial or Calibri gives off a more intelligent vibe. Additionally, if your exam stretches over 24 hours, don’t forget to plan for meals. Meal prepping is always a smart move, but if you’re on campus, scouting out food spots like Mr Egg (my personal choice) can be a real lifesaver. 

Don’t #1: Don’t forget to have a backup plan 

Even after making your bulletproof plan, it’s important to remember Murphy’s Law: ‘Anything that can go wrong will go wrong’. Networks go down, or even worse your laptop decides it’s the perfect time to do a surprise update. Therefore, it is essential to have a backup. My advice? Explore alternative places to work before the exam, like a library or a friend’s flat with reliable Wi-Fi. Also, always save your work as you go along, losing an essay an hour before deadline is a disaster no one wants to face (trust me). 

Do #2: Do ACTUALLY read the instructions  

Before starting your exam, take a moment to actually read the instructions. Check how your answers need to be submitted (e.g., handwritten or typed) along with the length of the exam, and any crucial details like word counts. Most importantly, confirm how many questions you’re required to answer. Believe me, you don’t want to spend 72 hours tackling all 10 questions, only to realise you only needed to answer one. 

Don’t #2: Don’t let AI do all the thinking for you 

AI is a powerful tool, but using it wisely is key. Copying answers directly from AI isn’t just risky; it’s plagiarism, a serious academic offence. So, make sure you’re familiar with the university’s regulations on AI use to avoid any trouble. Instead, I’d recommend getting creative with how you use AI! It’s great for planning a study timetable, brainstorming ideas, or finding ways to feel more productive, but leave the exam answers to your brain. Remember, your work should reflect your knowledge! 

Do #3: Do prioritise your mental health 

Exams are important, but so is your mental health. Here’s some essential exam wisdom: snacks are not meals, sleep and rest are just as important as studying, and it’s absolutely okay to step away and take a moment for yourself when you need it. There is life beyond exams, and sometimes that can be hard to remember after spending six hours on the same question. But taking care of yourself now will help you face whatever comes next with ambition and confidence. 

Don’t #3: Don’t panic 

I can assure you that at some point during your university experience, this will happen: you’ll confidently open your exam, only to be greeted by the daunting sight of a completely unexpected topic or an utterly unheard-of question. In that moment, it’s crucial to take a deep breath and not panic. You’ve prepared for this, and once you start brainstorming, you’ll be surprised by how much you really know. Resist the tempting pull of imposter syndrome and remember, everyone else sitting that exam is likely feeling the same way. One of the perks of online exams is the usually relaxed time pressure, so take a moment to collect your thoughts and tackle the question one step at a time. 

Hopefully, these tips will help you breeze through the upcoming January exams. Remember, the most important tip of all is to look after yourself, after all you are worth so much more than a grade on a screen! So whether it’s your first January exam season or your last, trust that you’ve put in the work and remember that you’ve got this.