The Night Before Your Exam

When it comes to the night before the exam, planning ahead will help you to cut down on stress and to banish nerves. At such a late stage, all your key revision will be done. The night before the exam is a time to focus, to relax and to look after yourself.

Eat And Sleep Well

Ensure that you have a healthy and balanced evening meal. Drink plenty of water and eat a good amount of fruit and vegetables. This will keep you hydrated and prepare your mind and body for the following day’s hard work. Avoid sugary or fatty foods. In addition, avoid eating too late in the evening. If you do so, you run the risk of your digestive system keeping you up into the small hours.

Go to bed early to ensure that you have had a solid eight hours sleep. Get ready for sleep half an hour or so in advance. Use this time to unwind and relax your mind for sleep. A good night’s rest will leave you refreshed, prepared and energised for the next day.

Get Organised

Ensure that you have packed your bag with all the materials you need for the next day. Check the details that you have been given for your exam. For example, if you are permitted to use a calculator ensure that you have packed one. Make a list of all the materials you will need and check that you have packed them.

Double check the date, time and location of your exam and how far in advance you need to arrive at the exam hall. Have all this information close to hand. Ensure you are certain of your travel arrangements for the next day and that you will be able to arrive at the exam in good time.

Briefly Review Your Notes

All your detailed revision will be completed by this time. The trick now is just to briefly skim over a number of pages of clear, simple and general notes. This should help you to focus for the exam but should keep your mind from being hijacked by individual detailed facts or arguments.

You might like to pack a few basic cue cards so that you can skim over these an hour or so before the exam. If you do so, be careful to double check that you do not accidentally take these into the exam itself.

Spend only a short amount of time reviewing your notes. Devote the majority of your evening to a relaxing leisure activity. Don’t undertake anything that is likely to tire you out too much but do pick an activity that you enjoy and that you know will leave you feeling content and prepared.

The most important thing to remember on the eve of your exam is that stress is unproductive. Don’t fall prey to it. Having revised, you will be more than capable of tackling your exam calmly and confidently. Don’t worry now about any subject areas that you have not thoroughly covered. All you can do is your best. Relax, unwind and prepare.