Exam Season Guide

Set yourself up for success and better your mindset as you enter this demanding part of the term.

It may not be your favourite time of the year, but final exam season is here. Get through it with these tips to help you to succeed this term.

Step 1: Plan ahead

University life gets hectic and deadlines sneak up fast. Making a plan can help relieve stress by getting organized to help manage your time. Connect with a friendly Peer Success Coach at the Student Success Office (SSO). They'll help you whip up a game plan and boost those study skills.

Plan to start next term off on the right track and bookmark these helpful Learning Support resources - tools to help you study smarter not harder.

Step 2: Get accommodations

Schedule study time, build in breaks and connect with classmates. Did you know our campus is bursting with a variety of support resources?

AccessAbility Services (AAS) has supports to cater to specific needs (like alternative testing arrangements or access assistive technology to support your learning style).
AAS also offers accommodation and assistive tech to ease exam stress. Consider applying for accommodations in future terms as it takes a few weeks to process—and no doctor's note required to apply for accommodations!

Portal Grade Calculator

Portal Grade Calculator will help you stay informed of your current standings in your classes. Calculate your overall GPA, a subset of your classes and explore different earned grade scenarios.

screen capture from the Portal app showing the grade calculator functionality

Empty tables set up in rows in the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) for undergraduate student exams

Step 3: Top study strategies

All the info can feel overwhelming. knowing about tips, tricks and tools for effective study strategies can make a difference.

Hone your study skills:

And if it comes down to it—we've got you covered with some last-minute study tips, although we really hope you won't need them!

Step 4: Get your gear

Here's what you should bring to your exam:

WatCard.
Authorized aids specified by your instructor (faculty-approved calculator, formula sheet, etc.).
Writing essentials (pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers—confirm with instructors, e.g., scantrons may need pencil only).
Hydrate with clear, label-free water (W Store has approved reusable bottles).
Keep it minimal—bring only what you need; personal items stay at home.

Need study space?

Use Portal Open Classroom to find it!

Open Classrooms in the Portal Map gives you up to date availability of classrooms around campus. See available locations and hours of operation. Check it out for your next group work or study session.

A screenshot of the Campus Map and Open Classrooms in Portal web

Step 5: Take care of you

Exam stress hits us all differently. Don't forget to prioritize your mental and physical health. Manage stress like a pro with these tips:

Participate in a FREE fitness sessions - they start Monday, December 9.
Feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody? Get counselling support.
Keep your energy up with a fuel-filled snack.

Step 6: Rest & recharge

Ease up on post-exam analysis. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what went well and move on. Remember:

Speculating won't change results.
Take time to treat yourself. You've earned it!
Start back at step 1 and plan ahead for next term.
Spend moments with loved ones, venture outdoors, and ensure you're refreshed and set to conquer the term ahead.