ExCeL London can be intimidating for exams, but with these helpful tips from a final-year business student, you can navigate the challenges with ease. Essentials to pack include ID, a clear water bottle, and writing tools. Dress in layers for comfort, arrive early, and know your route. Manage noise during the exam and allocate your time wisely.
ExCeL London, one of the largest venues in the capital, can certainly seem intimidating on exam day. But as a final-year business management student, I’ve picked up a few tips that can make your experience a lot smoother. Here’s my quick guide to acing those exams.
Pack smart, pack light. When you’re getting your exam bag ready, stick to the essentials. Key items include your student ID (and a backup ID), a clear water bottle (non-glass, label-free), some black or blue pens, a specified calculator (think Casio fx-83 or fx-85), a transparent stationery wallet, and a Post-it note with your candidate ID—just in case you forget.
What to leave out. Inside the exam hall, there are definite no-nos. Skip the revision notes, laptops, phones, smart watches, food or any drinks unless they’re cleared under Personalised Assessment Arrangements. It’s alright to have those for revision outside, but make sure everything is switched off and tucked away before you enter.
Dress for comfort. The temperature in those exam halls can swing from freezing cold to a bit steamy, so layers are key. I often wear a comfy zip hoodie or a cardigan that I can easily take off. Just make sure your clothes and shoes aren’t too noisy; those echoey floors don’t help concentration.
Get there early. Aim to arrive at least 45-60 minutes before your exam starts. Trust me, showing up with mere minutes to spare is a recipe for stress. For getting to the ExCeL, the east entrance is a short walk from Prince Regent station (DLR), but I personally prefer Custom House station (Elizabeth line) as it’s one stop less if you’re coming from west London. Check out this article for accessible routes.
Navigating the venue. There are several exam halls at ExCeL, so don’t panic if other university halls are visible. KCL’s halls are clearly signposted. I also find it helpful to look at the display screens near the entrances to locate my exam hall quickly. The restrooms and water stations, by the way, are usually a 3-7 minute walk—note this so you don’t panic later!
Help is at hand. Help Desks are available close to the exam halls and staffed from at least 30 minutes before exams. If you lose your ID or aren’t sure about your seating area, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Just a heads up, your seat number for paper exams will differ from online exam setups—double-check your personalised exam timetable before entering.
During the exam. You might not even need a watch; ExCeL provides large hologram clocks for paper exams. But if you prefer, bringing an analogue watch could be helpful for clarity. If you face any issues during the exam, whether it’s technical problems or you’re feeling unwell, simply raise your hand for assistance from an invigilator.
Managing noise. I discovered that background distractions are inevitable—footsteps, paper shuffling, you name it. To cope, I suggest practicing concentration with ‘exam hall ambiance’ videos on YouTube. It sounds a bit odd but it really does help replicate the exam environment.
Time management & review. Once the exam begins, jot down your candidate ID and module codes as required. It’s smart to mentally divide your time per question; for instance, spend 50-55 minutes on each essay in a three-hour exam. Leave a solid 10-15 minutes at the end to go over your answers.
ExCeL London might feel overwhelming at first, but believe me, thousands of King’s students—even me—successfully navigate their exams there every year. You’ve got this! Good luck!
In conclusion, approaching exams at ExCeL London can be a daunting experience, but with careful preparation and a few strategic tips, you can handle it confidently. Remember to pack light, arrive early, dress comfortably, and manage your time wisely. Familiarise yourself with the venue and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. Good luck to all the students!
Original Source: www.kcl.ac.uk