Preparing for Your 2023 Assessments

It might feel like there’s such a lot to know about assessment that it’s difficult to know where to start. We’ve put together a helpful list of links where you can quickly get the answers to your questions and help you feel in control.

I want to know more about online assessments and what to expect

• What is an online time limited assessment (OTLA)? Helpful information can be found on the Online Time Limited Assessments webpage. 
• Find out about the different systems that are used for online assessment such as Top Hat, Minerva, Gradescope and more on the Systems for Online Assessment webpage.
• Worried about your laptop or internet?  See the Laptop Loans and Mobile Internet webpage for help. There are things we can help with. If you experience technical difficulties during an online time limited assessment, you should contact your school as soon as possible to make them aware of this. Please note that IT issues are not normally accepted as Mitigating Circumstances.

I’m doing an on-campus exam. What will happen?

In 2023 the majority of assessments are expected to be online but some may need to be on campus exams. It could be your first experience of this at University.  If you do have an on campus exam on your timetable:

• Find out how you can prepare by looking at the Before the Day of the Exam webpage.
• You can find out what materials you are and are not permitted to take into the venue by looking at the Examination Materials webpage.
• More information on exam question papers, what to do when entering the venue, exam regulations and more is available through the Important Assessment Information webpage.

Are there past papers to get an idea of what to expect?

Yes! We have an archive of past papers from most courses that you can look at to give you an idea of what to expect from your assessment.  You can search for the paper you want my module, subject and keyword through the Past Examination Papers webpage.  These can help you understand what to expect. Nearly all modules will have them, but if they are not available, speak to your module leader.

I want to find helpful revision and studying tips (including time management)

The Academic Skills@library webpages have everything you will need. They will help with the academic skills you need to succeed with your studies.

Here are some direct links to the pages which may help you:

• Revision and exams webpage
• Online Time Limited Assessment webpage
• Time management webpage
• Academic writing skills webpage
• Top tips for planning your time webpage article where first year student Holly explains how you can manage your time
• Revision and assessments assistance can be found on the Skills@library Padlet Notice Board webpage and University Library Blog posts webpage

You could also sign up for the Skills to Success at University short course which is available through Future Learn website.

Who can I speak to if I’m worried about studying, revising or my asessments?

If you are worried you can speak to your academic personal tutor. This academic colleague from your School will work in partnership with you, helping you to maximise your success and to ensure you feel you belong as a member of the vibrant academic community here at Leeds.  Find out more on the Academic Personal Tutor webpage.

If you are meeting them, (or want to evaluate your learning so far):

• Look at the LeedsforLife workbook webpage for more information.
• StREAM@Leeds is the University of Leeds Learning Analytics system.  Visit the StREAM webpage. You’ll see an individual dashboard with up-to-date information on how you are engaging with a range of digital education resources such as virtual classrooms (like BlackBoard Collaborate, MS Teams and Zoom), Minerva and Library eResources. 

What are mitigating circumstances?

Quite simply: something has happened, outside of your control, that is a change to normal life that may affect how you complete your assessments.

Find out more about mitigating circumstances on the Mitigating Circumstances Guidance webpage, including examples and how to apply if you’re affected.

My mental health isn’t very good. Where can I get help?

• The University Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service offers a range of support services.  Visit the Counselling and Wellbeing website for more information.
• See the University Mental Health Advisors webpage and complete an online form to book a one to one appointment.
• Visit the Leeds University Union Help and Support webpage for help and contact details.
• Wellbeing webinars on topics include Self-compassion, ABC of managing anxiety (especially in times of uncertainty), Perfect or good enough and Tackling Procrastination are available through the Groups and Workshops webpage.
• The SCW@LUU is a partnership between the student Counselling and Wellbeing Service and Leeds University Union offering same day appointments (where possible).  To find out more see the Student Counselling and Wellbeing at Leeds University Union webpage.
• The Togetherall and other self-help resources webpage has a range of resources designed to give you some ideas on how you can take action to help stop problems from escalating.
• The Student Space website offers self-help resources. Resources are available online as well as via phone and text.
• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network website offers specialist support for people who identify as Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean.

Where can I revise and do assessments on campus?

• The Where to study on campus webpage lists available places to revise and study.
• Information on the different libraries and opening hours can be found on the Library webpage.

Where can I find out about cheating, and make sure I understand what could get me into trouble?

• Find out what is academic integrity and plagiarism on the Skills@library Academic Integrity webpage.
• Visit the Cheating and Plagiarism webpage for more information on different types of cheating and plagiarism such as cheating in exams, malpractice and contract cheating.
• See the Where to get help with assessments and how to avoid breaking the rules webpage for helpful advice.

Is there anything going on during the assessment period as a break from revising?

• See the What’s on at Leeds University Union webpage for upcoming activities.
• Find out about Leeds University Unions events such as nights out and gigs on the Leeds Union Events webpage.
•  The LUU clubs and society events webpage shows what’s on across the Leeds University Union.
• Suggested Instagram accounts to follow can be found on the 25 Instagram accounts to follow to discover more of Leeds webpage .
• Advice on discovering Leeds can be found on the Get outside in Leeds webpage article.
• Suggested walks in Leeds can be found on The Grey Outdoors webpage article.