As exam season approaches, most students are busy preparing to tackle their assessments. But if you’re studying online and in regional or remote areas of WA, exam preparation can pose some unique challenges.
But never fear! With the right strategies and access to useful resources, you can feel just as confident as our on-campus students going into your exams. Read on for some helpful tips to optimise your study plan in the lead-up to exam season.
1. Visit the WA Regional University Study Hubs
We understand the challenges faced by students who are not based on our main WA campuses. However, your most valuable resource can be found in using one of the Regional University Study Hubs. These hubs, located in places like Albany, Broome, Busselton and Karratha, provide a quiet, well-equipped space for students to study, access high-speed internet and utilise academic resources. Some of the key benefits of using the study hubs include:
- Access to technology: Fast and reliable internet, computers, and printers.
- Quiet study environment: The hubs offer a focused space free from home distractions.
- Support services: Some hubs provide access to academic advisors and student support.
- Peer interaction: You might meet other students preparing for exams, fostering a supportive study community.
2. Create a structured study plan
One of the best ways to prepare for exams is by developing a realistic and structured study plan. For students juggling other commitments like work or family, this is particularly important. Allocate study time across different subjects, prioritising areas where you feel less confident. Make sure to split your study sessions into manageable chunks with regular breaks to avoid burnout.
For online and remote students, the temptation to procrastinate can be stronger without the structure of on-campus life. Try setting daily or weekly goals to keep yourself on track.
3. Make use of our online resources
We offer a wide range of online resources specifically for students who are studying remotely. These include:
- Access to past exam papers: Visit the Library Catalogue to view past exams papers and include them in your study plan.
- The Library catalogue: Search the catalogue for e-books, research papers and study guides with just a few clicks.
- UniSkills: Access Curtin Library’s online modules that cover exam preparation, time management and academic writing.
- IT tools and guides: Get to know how to use a bunch of our online tools and guides at Curtin. You can also get personal IT support by contacting our team.
Aside from Curtin’s online resources, make sure you take advantage of the various online tools and apps that help with study organisation, like Trello for task management or Quizlet for flashcards.
4. Stay connected with your lecturers and peers
As a regional or remote student, it’s crucial to stay engaged with your coursework and connected to your professors. Regularly check in with your lecturers via student email or your discussion boards on Blackboard. This ensures you’re up-to-date with important information, including exam formats and key topics.
You might also want to consider joining an online study group or create one with peers in your courses. Collaborative learning can enhance understanding and make revision more effective. Platforms like Microsoft Teams are perfect for group discussions and study sessions.
5. Manage your stress and take care of yourself
Exams can be stressful and the isolation of studying remotely can make it harder to stay motivated. Make sure to:
- Maintain a balanced routine with adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay focused.
- Seek support if needed. Curtin offers online self-help resources, as well as the Wellbeing Advisory Service and Psychology and Counselling services that can be accessed remotely.
6. Get to know IRIS early
In preparation for your online exams, it’s important to familiarise yourself with Curtin’s Intelligent Remote Invigilation System (IRIS). IRIS is a computer program designed to deter and detect academic dishonesty during online tests and exams. To avoid last-minute issues, make sure to download and set up IRIS early. You’ll need a functioning microphone, webcam, and the IRIS@Curtin plugin, which works with the Google Chrome browser. By setting up IRIS ahead of time, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on exam day!
Exam time is always a challenge, but online, regional and remote Curtin students have plenty of support available. Whether you’re utilising the Regional University Study Hubs, accessing online resources or staying connected with your peers, you can feel prepared and confident as exams approach. Focus on your wellbeing, stay organised and remember to take full advantage of the facilities and services designed to help you succeed.
