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Health Issues and Individual Exam Arrangements

Here are some brief notes about staying healthy, what to do if you are unwell and on individual exam arrangements.

Hayfever
If you are a hayfever sufferer you may have difficulties during the summer months. If you use any medication make sure that it won't cause drowsiness as this could affect your exam performance. If you feel terrible on the day, make sure you inform your Tutor who may submit an examination warning and get a medical certificate as soon as possible.

Period Pains
If you experience very painful periods and think this may affect your exam performance it may be worth talking to your GP early. Your GP may be able to offer advice and medication that will enable you to get through the exams. If on the day, period pains affect your exam performance let your Tutor know, who may submit an examination warning. If possible get a medical certificate.

Illness on the Day
If you are ill or have a personal problem on the day of exams, you should contact your Tutor as soon as possible and ensure that you get a medical certificate from your GP.

If you are ill during the exams make sure you let the invigilator and then your Tutor know.

For more information see What to do if you are ill.

Individual Exam Arrangements for students with a health condition or disability
If you have a disability or a health condition that requires particular exam conditions make sure that you discuss these with your Tutor and the Disability Resource Centre well before the exam. Tutors are usually requested to submit applications for exam arrangements by 31st January, but exceptions can be made. It is important, however, that you allow sufficient time before the exam to discuss these issues with your tutor.

Examples of exam arrangements include taking food and drink into the exam, supervised rest breaks, alternative formats of exam papers, taking exams in an alternative location, not penalising for spelling and grammar mistakes and dictation.

For more information see Individual Exam Arrangements or email Disability Resource Centre [ucamdisability@lists.cam.ac.uk], the CUSU Welfare Officer or the CUSU Academic Affairs Officer.

Special Circumstances
If you have "special circumstances" eg a death in the family or personal difficulties during the exam period, ensure that you keep your Tutor informed. Anything you tell your department should be kept confidential and the information will only be passed onto those who need to know.

You may also want to read the CamExams section on Exam Appeals and Special Circumstances, or contact the CUSU Education Officer [academic@cusu.cam.ac.uk].

For more information see More Welfare Information

CUSU provides confidential, free, non-judgemental support and information to individual students. Contact the CUSU Education Officer, Welfare Officer or Women's Officer by email, phone or by dropping into the office if you would like support or information on any topic.