The big day has arrived and as a good student you're well prepared (kind of) and had a good night sleep (seriously, it really works).

Know when and where the exam is

I could tell you a million stories about 'plonkers' that ended up on the other side of the campus on exam day or had their phone on the wrong date and thought it was tomorrow.

Bring pens, pencil, eraser, ruler and scientific calculator if you need it

I can never believe my eyes when I see some fella stroll in 10 minutes late and ask for a pen from the examiner/invigilator. Bring extra of what you need, just in case.

Know how long the exam is and how many questions you have to answer

Simply divide and find how much time you have per question. Remember to leave 10 minutes at the end for revision. Stick to your time management plan.

Know the exam regulations

They're usually fairly common sense; that is; don't cheat, talk, have dodgy notes in your pencil case, leave too early etc. They're usually available on the college website and are usually fairly short, so take 5 minutes to read them.

I think in Trinity there are some funny ones like ordering Guinness if you're a Scholar and wearing your sword...

Remember going to the loo every 5 minutes during the exam will be noted by the examiner because it is slightly suspicious looking!

Read the exam paper

Seems simple really. Well, people panic and think they know what the question is asking because they read the first half of it! Somehow there's always a twist in the tail and they only figure that out when it's too late.

Read all of the exam paper at least twice, then pick the questions you will answer and re-read them before you start to write. Scribble some notes to help you in an initial brainstorming session and then begin to write.

It is often helpful to start with your best question to give you confidence but make sure it's not your only question!

It's all gone wrong!

If it all goes 'Pete Tong', if you felt that something in the exam prevented you from doing your best, there may be a chance for you to appeal through your exam regulations. Ask your Students' Union or lecturer for assistance. This is not an excuse for not studying but it is an option if the County Council decide to choose that day to begin drilling under the window of the exam hall!

If you have no such excuse remember there are other options, like 'pass by compensation' or the possibility to 'carry a module'. Again ask your Students' Union or friendly lecturer for assistance to assess your options.

More information on assessment here.