basic guide to help you get ready for exam

Exam season is just around the corner — are you feeling ready? Don’t worry if things still feel a bit chaotic; we’ve put together some useful tips and resources to help you get organised and feel more confident.

How to Access Your Exam Timetable

Hopefully everyone now knows when and where their exams will be held — but if you're still unsure, you can access the official Heriot‑Watt exam timetables using the link below.

Uk April/May assessment timetable

Heriot-Watt publishes updated timetables for each exam diet, and they can change, so always double‑check before your exam.

👉 Make sure you know:

• The date & time
• The building and room
• Whether you have exam adjustments, and where your allocated room is (you can find this on your HWU App).

“Where Even Is That?” – Finding Your Exam Venue

It’s completely normal to be confused by exam locations — Heriot‑Watt has many buildings, and you might be sitting an exam somewhere unfamiliar.

🔍 Use the campus map to find your exam room in advance, so you’re not stressed on the day. For in‑person exams, the University advises arriving 20 minutes before your exam starts.

What Should I Bring?

What you need depends on the exam format, but there are a few essentials everyone must bring:

✔️ Your Heriot‑Watt Student ID — required at all exams. ✔️ Approved stationery or calculators — use only those permitted under the University’s calculator policy. ✔️ Water in a clear bottle (label removed)

⛔ Not allowed:

• Notes, smartwatches, mobile phones, or any unapproved materials. (Full guidance available via the exam regulations linked on HWU’s exam page.)

📚 Study & Revision Tips (Heriot‑Watt Approved!)

Heriot‑Watt’s Skills Hub and WattLiving share great exam preparation strategies. Here are some of their top suggestions:

1. Create a realistic revision plan

Break topics down and decide what you’ll study each day — this is recommended in the University’s skills workshops.

2. Understand your course content

Start by figuring out what you already know so you can focus your energy where it’s needed most.

3. Try the Pomodoro technique

Study in focused blocks (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks — great for keeping concentration high.

4. Sleep well

Good sleep helps memory and focus — don’t pull unnecessary all‑nighters!

5. Eat balanced meals

A healthy diet boosts energy levels and concentration.

6. Take breaks & manage stress

Go for a walk, talk to a friend, or enjoy some guilt‑free rest. It’s important to pace yourself.

7. Practice using past papers (if available)

Some course leaders release sample papers to help you get used to exam formats, though not every course provides them.

🧡 Need Help?

The Advice Hub offers free, confidential support for both academic and personal issues. They can help you understand exam processes, mitigating circumstances, or any issues impacting your study.