The academic year is coming to a close and exams are starting. But this year, things are a bit more special than usual. Due to the COVID-19 virus, a lot of universities have had to adjust their exams to a digital version. But what does this mean for you as a student? Xior is here to help!

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1. Read and understand your exam guidelines beforehand

As exams are being adjusted, universities will post information and guidelines. Make sure to read these in advance so that you know what to expect.

2. Prepare for oral exams with insight questions

Part of your exams will most likely be adjusted to oral exams. Adapt your study method, as you will have less time to think about your answers.  Questions will also be more focused on insight, to reduce cheating options. So study accordingly!

3. Exams will most likely have a time limit per question

To reduce cheating, universities will introduce online exams with a timer. These exams will likely be multiple choice or open questions. They will also ask you to use a special browser that blocks other websites so you cannot research online.

4. Take extra measures to provide a good internet connection

Get your hands on an internet cable rather than Wi-Fi, have your phone on standby close to your room to provide a back-up 4G mobile internet connection, in case you encounter any issues during your exam. If you’re at home with family, ask them not to download heavy files during your exam time. You don’t want to lose connection in the middle of an exam!

5. Clean your room and test your webcam

Your university might ask to turn on your webcam during the exam. Make sure to look professional. Provide a clean background and put on your best clothes!

6. Have an in-case-of-emergency number ready

This could be your professor’s number if allowed, a technical service number or another university number, just in case anything goes wrong during the exam. This way you can quickly make contact should your connection fail.

7. Take a practice test

If your university provides one, you should definitely do it. This will give you some hands-on experience of what the test will feel like and if your time management is on point. Alternatively, you can also find practice tests online.

8. Test your exam software
Universities will use special exam tools or software you may not be familiar with. Test and install these programs beforehand, to make sure you don’t run into any problems at the time of your exam.

9. Log in to the software before the exam starts

Loading the pages or software may take a while,  so set everything up before the exam start time. This way you will avoid last minute problems and stress.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you run into any difficulties while studying, or if anything about the exam is unclear, don’t be scared to contact your professors or tutors. They are here to help.

We hope that these tips will help you and we would love to see your study environment. Tag @xiorstudenthousing and show us! Good luck!

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