Getting to the Exam Hall

If you are sitting your exams during the main exam period you should have by now received your exam timetable. Get familiar with the exam hall venue, know where it is and how to get there (plan at least two routes, just in case there are delays with your top choice).

Some exams are now being held in east London at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway E16 1XL. Plan your journey and get to the exam venue in plenty of time. Use the following websites or apps before you set off to help you plan your route.

 

Don’t forget to check for up to date information on the running of lines before you set off for the exam. Check the DLR service here and trains from your local station on National Rail's live departure boards. 

The National Rail App is also a Godsend with live updates of train times and delays. 

Support during the examination period

There are free and confidential services and resources available to you for support if you feel worried about the exams.

If none of these look like the right resource for you, you may find information that will help you in our advice pages. You can also arrange to come in and see our advisors at the Advice Service for more suggestions on what support is out there.

  • The first internal port of call at UCL should be Student Support and Wellbeing, who have loads of advice and can help if you need any special arrangements made for the exam period.
  • If you're feeling stressed and want to take control, give these useful tips from the NHS for reducing stress a try. Student Minds and Papyrus also give some handy exam-specific advice (including a line where it says your parents should let up on chores if you live at home!).
  • Samaritans are a free listening service - call any time on 116 123 
  • Nightline is a nationwide, student run night time listening service. If you need to talk, call 0207 631 0101 between 18:00 and 08:00 any day during term time. 
  • if you want to work off your stress then Project Active will be running low-cost sessions throughout term three along with free yoga sessions in Wilkin's Terrace. 
  • In March, we hosted a mindfulness and attention training, ‘Master Time and Focus’ workshop, which talked about techniques to improve focus and wellbeing. We've written these tips out for you so you can utilise them and know the methods that help you focus and manage your time better. 

Extra Support 

Our Advice Service and Writing and Language Support (WALS) will be holding joint drop ins for students who have questions about academic, welfare or exam issues or need help with essays or presentations. During Term 3 we will be offering one-to-one appointments on Monday 29 April, Monday 13 May and Monday 20 May. They will be on a first come first served basis. Regular WALS appointments (for students who don't speak English as a first language) and Advice appointments will continue as usual. This drop in is aimed at students who have a quick question to ask either service. The drop in will be at the Advice Service offices, which can be found on the second floor of the Bloomsbury Theatre building.

 

What to do if things go wrong

  • If you have a sudden illness or personal problems around exam time you should speak to your departmental or personal tutor immediately.

  • If you miss an examination due to illness or some other emergency, inform your departmental or personal tutor as soon as possible. You should also complete an Extenuating Circumstances Claim Form.  You’ll need to supply evidence to support your application, make sure you get this in good time.

  • Not all is lost if you arrive late for an exam. If you are less than 30 minutes late for your exam, you will be allowed to sit your exam for the remainder of its duration. Your exam will finish at the same time; you will not be given extra time. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you should report to your department immediately.


 

Top tips

  • Plan your journey in advance.

  • Allow plenty of time to get to the exam hall and aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam.

  • Have the details of your departmental and personal tutors handy in case something goes wrong.

  • Know what you can take into the exam hall; check requirements for stationery, water and materials. Don’t forget your student ID and Candidate Number card.

  • Take some food, there may be long queues for catering facilities. Our cafes have good grab and go options if you're coming from campus. Remember, you can take a clear bottle of still water into the exam with you.

  • Contact the Advice Service for help with applying for extenuating circumstances if you think your performance has been affected by illness or another emergency.

Last updated 3 years ago Read time 4 mins