Exam preparation and what to expect on the day
Feeling prepared makes a big difference on exam day. Follow these steps to help you get ready for your exams, know what to expect and the things you need to bring with you.
Getting ready for exam day
If you miss your exam or go to the wrong session, you cannot sit the exam or reschedule, so please prepare accordingly.
- Plan your travel route in advance
- Arrive 60-20 minutes before your exam
- Present your RCL student ID or another photographic government issued ID
- Bring your own stationary (and calculators if applicable)
- Late arrivals are allowed up to 30 minutes after the start time (no extra time given)
For computer-based exams, arriving early is especially important. If you arrive less than 20 minutes before the start time, you may not have enough time to log in to Canvas or resolve any technical issues. The exam will start and finish at the scheduled times, and no additional time will be given to students who arrive late.
What to bring:
- Identification: Bring your RCL student ID or another photographic government issued ID. Only physical IDs are accepted – photos of ID on a phone cannot be used.
- Stationery: Bring black or dark blue non-erasable pens (in a clear case if you have one). Avoid highlighters, pencils, light-coloured pens, or erasable pens, as they may not scan clearly.
- Calculators: If your exam requires one, bring your own non-programmable calculator. Mobile phones, smartwatches, and shared calculators are not allowed.
- Water: You can bring a drink in a clear, label-free, securely closed container. Open drinks (e.g., cans, takeaway cups) are not permitted.
- Permitted notes: Notes vary by module. Check your Canvas page to confirm what is allowed. Where permitted, notes may be typed or handwritten. Sharing notes is not allowed.
What not to bring:
- Phones
- Smart watches
- Wallets
- Bags
You cannot bring these items into the exam room. All items must be stored in the designated area outside the exam hall (external venues) or inside the exam room (campuses). The area is supervised, but belongings remain your responsibility. Please do not bring any valuables.
If you require accessibility adjustments, ensure the Student Support team is aware of your needs as early as possible. Please contact the Student Support team at wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk as early as possible.
Phones are not allowed in the exam room. If you use your phone for medical monitoring (e.g., diabetes), you must request approval before the exam.
Please review your university partner’s Conduct of Written Examination Policy before sitting your exams
Changing exam sessions
You must attend the exam session you are scheduled for. Session transfers are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
The option to transfer to a different exam session within the same exam period is only applicable for serious reasons (e.g., medical) with evidence provided.
To request a session transfer:
- Contact Student Services: The team will review your request.
- Submit an Exam Session Transfer Form: If it is agreed that you can change exam sessions, you’ll be sent a short form to complete.
- Upload supporting evidence: If required, you’ll be asked to submit evidence (e.g., a doctor’s note).
- Receive your updated exam timetable.
Approval of session transfer requests is not guaranteed. Requests are considered based on the availability of space in the preferred session and whether the reason and supporting evidence meet the criteria for serious circumstances.
For exams held at external venues, the deadline for transfer requests is one month before the exam dates.
Need more support?
Contact Student Services at studentservices@rcl.ac.uk for further support.
